CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/552,995, entitled "Systems and Methods for Fast Initial Network Link Setup," filed October
28, 2011. This application also claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/556,044, entitled "Systems and Methods for Fast Initial Network Link Setup," filed November
4, 2011. This application also claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/586,600, entitled "Systems and Methods for Fast Initial Network Link Setup," filed January
13, 2012. This application also claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/622,324, entitled "Systems and Methods for Fast Initial Network Link Setup," filed April
10, 2012. This application also claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/640,545, entitled "Systems and Methods for Fast Initial Network Link Setup," filed April
30, 2012.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present application relates generally to wireless communication systems and more
specifically to systems, methods, and devices for fast initial network link setup
within wireless communication systems.
Background
[0003] In many telecommunication systems, communications networks are used to exchange messages
among several interacting spatially-separated devices. Networks can be classified
according to geographic scope, which could be, for example, a metropolitan area, a
local area, or a personal area. Such networks would be designated respectively as
a wide area network (WAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), local area network (LAN),
or personal area network (PAN). Networks also differ according to the switching/routing
technique used to interconnect the various network nodes and devices (e.g., circuit
switching vs. packet switching), the type of physical media employed for transmission
(e.g. wired vs. wireless), and the set of communication protocols used (e.g., Internet
protocol suite, SONET (Synchronous Optical Networking), Ethernet, etc.).
[0004] Wireless networks are often preferred when the network elements are mobile and thus
have dynamic connectivity needs, or when the network architecture is formed in an
ad hoc, rather than fixed, topology. A mobile network element such as a wireless station
(STA) and an access point (AP) can exchange messages through a process of link setup
for utilizing the network. Under certain conditions, many STAs can attempt to use
the network during a short period of time. For example, when several STAs move into
the vicinity of a new network, the network can experience an increased rate of link
setup process collisions creating undesirable latencies in the link setup
, as for example described in WO 2011/100540 A1. Accordingly, there is a need for a fast initial link setup in a wireless communication
network.
SUMMARY
[0005] The invention is defined by the claims. Embodiments and aspects that do not fall within
the scope of the claims are merely examples used for explanation of the invention. The systems, methods, and devices of the invention each have several aspects, no
single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting
the scope of this invention as expressed by the claims which follow, some features
will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly
after reading the section entitled "Detailed Description" one will understand how
the features of this invention provide advantages that include fast initial network
link setup wireless communication systems for access points and devices.
[0006] One aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a method of
reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system. The method
includes transmitting, from an access point, at least first and second network domain
identifiers, each of the network domain identifiers being associated with a respective
network service, the network domain identifiers having a first number of bits. The
method further includes receiving, from a first device, an access request message
for establishing the network service associated with at least one of the network domain
identifiers, the access request message including a third network domain identifier
associated with a plurality of network services, the third network domain identifier
including a sequence of bits based on the first or second identifier, the bit length
of the sequence of bits being less than the first number of bits. The method further
includes broadcasting, from the access point, to a plurality of devices comprising
the first device, an access response message establishing a link with the first device
and including the first identifier, in response to receiving the access request message.
[0007] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides an apparatus
configured to reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to transmit least first and second
network domain identifiers, each of the network domain identifiers being associated
with a respective network service, the network domain identifiers having a first number
of bits. The apparatus further includes a receiver configured to receive, from a first
device, an access request message for establishing the network service associated
with at least one of the network domain identifiers, the access request message including
a third network domain identifier associated with a plurality of network services,
the third network domain identifier including a sequence of bits based on the first
or second identifier, the bit length of the sequence of bits being less than the first
number of bits. The transmitter is further configured to broadcast, to a plurality
of devices comprising the first device, an access response message establishing a
link with the first device and including the first identifier, in response to receiving
the access request message.
[0008] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for transmitting, from an access point, at least first
and second network domain identifiers, each of the network domain identifiers being
associated with a respective network service, the network domain identifiers having
a first number of bits. The apparatus further includes means for receiving, from a
first device, an access request message for establishing the network service associated
with at least one of the network domain identifiers, the access request message including
a third network domain identifier associated with a plurality of network services,
the third network domain identifier including a sequence of bits based on the first
or second identifier, the bit length of the sequence of bits being less than the first
number of bits. The apparatus further includes means for broadcasting, from the access
point, to a plurality of devices comprising the first device, an access response message
establishing a link with the first device and including the first identifier, in response
to receiving the access request message.
[0009] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a computer-readable
storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor of an apparatus in
a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the apparatus to transmit,
from an access point, at least first and second network domain identifiers, each of
the network domain identifiers being associated with a respective network service,
the network domain identifiers having a first number of bits. The medium further includes
code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to receive, from a first device, an
access request message for establishing the network service associated with at least
one of the network domain identifiers, the access request message including a third
network domain identifier associated with a plurality of network services, the third
network domain identifier including a sequence of bits based on the first or second
identifier, the bit length of the sequence of bits being less than the first number
of bits. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus
to broadcast, from the access point, to a plurality of devices comprising the first
device, an access response message establishing a link with the first device and including
the first identifier, in response to receiving the access request message.
[0010] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method includes receiving, at a wireless communication device, at least first
and second network domain identifiers, each of the network domain identifiers being
associated with a respective network service, the network domain identifiers having
a first number of bits. The method further includes transmitting, to a first access
point, an access request message for establishing the network service associated with
at least one of the network domain identifiers, the access request message including
a third network domain identifier associated with a plurality of network services,
the third network domain identifier including a sequence of bits based on the first
or second identifier, the bit length of the sequence of bits being less than the first
number of bits an access request message for establishing the network service associated
with at least one of the transmitted network domain identifiers. The method includes
receiving, from a second access point, a broadcast access response message establishing
the network service and including the second network domain identifier, the second
network domain identifier including the third network domain identifier combined with
an additional identifier.
[0011] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus configured to reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication
system. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive at least first and
second network domain identifiers, each of the network domain identifiers being associated
with a respective network service, the network domain identifiers having a first number
of bits. The apparatus further includes a transmitter configured to transmit, to a
first access point, an access request message for establishing the network service
associated with at least one of the network domain identifiers, the access request
message including a third network domain identifier associated with a plurality of
network services, the third network domain identifier including a sequence of bits
based on the first or second identifier, the bit length of the sequence of bits being
less than the first number of bits an access request message for establishing the
network service associated with at least one of the transmitted network domain identifiers.
The receiver is further configured to receive, from a second access point, a broadcast
access response message establishing the network service and including the second
network domain identifier, the second network domain identifier including the third
network domain identifier combined with an additional identifier.
[0012] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for receiving, at a wireless communication device, at
least first and second network domain identifiers, each of the network domain identifiers
being associated with a respective network service, the network domain identifiers
having a first number of bits. The apparatus further includes means for transmitting,
to a first access point, an access request message for establishing the network service
associated with at least one of the network domain identifiers, the access request
message including a third network domain identifier associated with a plurality of
network services, the third network domain identifier including a sequence of bits
based on the first or second identifier, the bit length of the sequence of bits being
less than the first number of bits an access request message for establishing the
network service associated with at least one of the transmitted network domain identifiers.
The apparatus further includes means for receiving, from a second access point, a
broadcast access response message establishing the network service and including the
second network domain identifier, the second network domain identifier including the
third network domain identifier combined with an additional identifier.
[0013] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of an apparatus in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the apparatus
to receive, at a wireless communication device, at least first and second network
domain identifiers, each of the network domain identifiers being associated with a
respective network service, the network domain identifiers having a first number of
bits. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to
transmit, to a first access point, an access request message for establishing the
network service associated with at least one of the network domain identifiers, the
access request message including a third network domain identifier associated with
a plurality of network services, the third network domain identifier including a sequence
of bits based on the first or second identifier, the bit length of the sequence of
bits being less than the first number of bits an access request message for establishing
the network service associated with at least one of the transmitted network domain
identifiers. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus
to receive, from a second access point, a broadcast access response message establishing
the network service and including the second network domain identifier, the second
network domain identifier including the third network domain identifier combined with
an additional identifier.
[0014] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method includes transmitting two or more network domain identifiers from an access
point, each of the network domain identifiers being associated with a respective network
service. The method further includes receiving an access request message for establishing
the network service associated with at least one of the transmitted network domain
identifiers.
[0015] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a device
configured to reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The device includes a transmitter configured to transmit two or more network domain
identifiers from an access point, each of the network domain identifiers being associated
with a respective network service. The device further includes a receiver configured
to receive an access request message for establishing the network service associated
with at least one of the transmitted network domain identifiers.
[0016] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of an apparatus in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the apparatus
to transmit two or more network domain identifiers from an access point, each of the
network domain identifiers being associated with a respective network service. The
medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to receive
an access request message for establishing the network service associated with at
least one of the transmitted network domain identifiers.
[0017] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for transmitting two or more network domain identifiers
from an access point, each of the network domain identifiers being associated with
a respective network service. The apparatus further includes means for receiving an
access request message for establishing the network service associated with at least
one of the transmitted network domain identifiers.
[0018] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method includes receiving two or more network domain identifiers from an access
point, each of the network domain identifiers being associated with a respective network
service. The method further includes transmitting an access request message for establishing
the network service associated with at least one of the transmitted network domain
identifiers.
[0019] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
device configured to reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication
system. The device includes a receiver configured to receive two or more network domain
identifiers from an access point, each of the network domain identifiers being associated
with a respective network service. The device further includes a transmitter configured
to transmit an access request message for establishing the network service associated
with at least one of the transmitted network domain identifiers.
[0020] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for receiving two or more network domain identifiers
from an access point, each of the network domain identifiers being associated with
a respective network service. The apparatus further includes means for transmitting
an access request message for establishing the network service associated with at
least one of the transmitted network domain identifiers.
[0021] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of an apparatus in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the apparatus
to receive two or more network domain identifiers from an access point, each of the
network domain identifiers being associated with a respective network service. The
medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to transmit
an access request message for establishing the network service associated with at
least one of the transmitted network domain identifiers.
[0022] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method includes queuing for transmission, at a first device, a first message for
requesting information to establish a link with an access point, the first message
including a network identifier for the access point. The method further includes,
before transmission of the message, receiving a second message including the information.
The method further includes removing the message from the queue when the second message
includes the information.
[0023] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
device configured to reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication
system. The device includes a queue configured to store a message for requesting information
to establish a link with an access point, the first message including a network identifier
for the access point. The device further includes a receiver configured to, before
transmission of the first message, receive another message including the information.
The device further includes a processor configured to remove the first message from
the queue when the second message includes the information.
[0024] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for queuing a message for requesting information to establish
a link with an access point, the first message including a network identifier for
the access point. The apparatus further includes means for receiving, before transmission
of the first message, another message including the first information. The apparatus
further includes means for removing the first message from the queue when the second
message includes the information.
[0025] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of an apparatus in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the apparatus
to queue for transmission a message for requesting information to establish a link
with an access point, the first message including a network identifier for the access
point. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus
to receive, before transmission of the first message, another message including the
first information. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the
apparatus to remove the first message from the queue when the second message includes
the information.
[0026] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method includes transmitting a message advertising wireless communication from
an access point. The method further includes receiving a plurality of access requests
from a plurality of devices. The method further includes determining demand for wireless
communication based on the plurality of access requests. The method further includes
modifying a broadcast of the message advertising the wireless communication based
on the determined demand.
[0027] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
device configured to reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication
system. The device includes a transmitter configured to transmit a message advertising
wireless communication. The device further includes a receiver configured to receive
a plurality of access requests for the wireless communication from a plurality of
devices. The device further includes a processor configured to determine demand for
the wireless communication based on the plurality of access requests. The processor
is further configured to modify a broadcast of the message advertising the wireless
communication based on the determined demand.
[0028] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for transmitting a message advertising wireless communication.
The apparatus further includes means for receiving a plurality of access requests
for the wireless communication from a plurality of devices. The apparatus further
includes means for determining demand for the wireless communication based on the
plurality of access requests. The apparatus further includes means for modifying a
broadcast of the message advertising the wireless communication based on the determined
demand.
[0029] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of a device in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the device
to transmit a message advertising wireless communication. The medium further includes
code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to receive a plurality of access requests
for the wireless communication from a plurality of devices. The medium further includes
code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to determine demand for the wireless
communication. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus
to modify the broadcast of the message advertising the wireless communication based
in part on the determined demand.
[0030] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method includes receiving, at a device, at least two different access request
messages each for establishing a link with the device. The method further includes
determining a period of time for transmitting access response messages in response
to the received access request messages. The method further includes reserving a period
of transmission time on a channel for transmitting the access response messages for
establishing the link, the reservation based at least in part on the determined period
of time. The method further includes transmitting the access response messages during
the reserved period of time.
[0031] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus configured to reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication.
The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive at least two different access
request messages each for establishing a link with the apparatus. The apparatus further
includes a processor configured to determine a period of time for transmitting access
response messages, the processor further configured to reserve a period of time on
a channel for transmitting the access response messages to establish the link, the
reservation based at least in part on the determined period of time. The apparatus
further includes a transmitter configured to transmit the access response messages
during the reserved period of time.
[0032] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication, the
apparatus includes means for receiving at least two different access request messages
each for establishing a link with the apparatus. The apparatus further includes means
for determining a period of time for transmitting access response messages in response
to the received access request messages. The apparatus further includes means for
reserving a period of transmission time on a channel for transmitting the access response
messages establish the link, the reservation based at least in part on the determined
period of time. The apparatus further includes means for transmitting the access response
messages during the reserved period of time.
[0033] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of an apparatus in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the apparatus
to receive at least two different access request messages each for establishing a
link with the apparatus. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes
the apparatus to determine a period of time for transmitting access response messages
in response to the received access request messages. The medium further includes code
that, when executed, causes the apparatus to reserve a period of transmission time
on a channel for transmitting the access response messages to establish the link,
the reservation based at least in part on the determined period of time. The medium
further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to transmit the access
response messages during the reserved period of time.
[0034] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling in a wireless communication system. The method includes
providing a network service configured to communicate via a plurality of channels.
The method further includes determining a characteristic of the network service comprising
a load value for each of the plurality of channels. The method further includes transmitting
an identifier of the characteristic of the network service for obtaining the network
service in the wireless communication system.
[0035] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
device configured to reduce signaling in a wireless communication system. The device
includes a network service configured to communicate via a plurality of channels.
The device further includes a service monitor configured to determine a characteristic
of the network service comprising a load value for each of the plurality of channels.
The device further includes a transmitter configured to transmit an identifier of
the characteristic of the network service for obtaining the network service in the
wireless communication system.
[0036] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling in a wireless communication system. The apparatus
includes means for providing a network service configured to communicate via a plurality
of channels. The apparatus further includes means for determining a characteristic
of the network service comprising a load value for each of the plurality of channels.
The apparatus further includes means for transmitting an identifier of the characteristic
of the network service for obtaining the network service in the wireless communication
system.
[0037] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of an apparatus in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the apparatus
to provide a network service configured to communicate via a plurality of channels.
The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to determine
a characteristic of the network service comprising a load value for each of the plurality
of channels. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus
to transmit an identifier of the characteristic of the network service for obtaining
the network service in the wireless communication system.
[0038] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling in a wireless communication system. The method includes
receiving, at a wireless communication device from a network service provider, an
identifier of a characteristic for each of one or more network services for obtaining
the network service in the wireless communication system. The method further includes
selecting, at the wireless communication device, a network service of the one or more
network services to associate with based on the received characteristics. The method
further includes transmitting, from the wireless communication device to a provider
of the selected network service, a message to associate with the selected network
service.
[0039] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
device configured to reduce signaling in a wireless communication system. The device
includes a receiver configured to receive, from a network service provider, an identifier
of a characteristic for each of one or more network services for obtaining the network
service in the wireless communication system. The device further includes a service
selection circuit configured to select a network service of the one or more network
services to associate with based on the received characteristics. The device further
includes a transmitter configured to transmit, from the device to a provider of the
selected network service, a message to associate with the selected network service.
[0040] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for receiving, from a network service provider, an identifier
of a characteristic for each of one or more network services for obtaining the network
service in the wireless communication system. The apparatus further includes means
for selecting a network service of the one or more network services to associate with
based on the received characteristics. The apparatus further includes means for transmitting,
from the device to a provider of the selected network service, a message to associate
with the selected network service.
[0041] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of a device in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the device
to receive, from a network service provider, an identifier of a characteristic for
each of one or more network services for obtaining the network service in the wireless
communication system. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes
the apparatus to select a network service of the one or more network services to associate
with based on the received characteristics. The medium further includes code that,
when executed, causes the apparatus to transmit, from the device to a provider of
the selected network service, a message to associate with the selected network service.
[0042] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method includes assigning a first identifier at a first access point, the first
identifier for establishing a link with the first access point and having a first
number of bits. The method further includes receiving from a device an access request
message to establish the link, the access request message including a second identifier
associated with a plurality of access points configured to provide the link, the plurality
of access points including the first access point, the second identifier including
a sequence of bits having a bit length, wherein the sequence of bits is based on the
first identifier, and wherein the bit length of the sequence of bits is less than
the first number of bits. The method further includes transmitting an access response
message establishing the link with the device and including the first identifier.
[0043] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus configured to reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication
system. The apparatus includes a memory configured to store a first identifier for
the apparatus, the first identifier for establishing a link with the apparatus and
having a first number of bits. The apparatus further includes a receiver configured
to receive from a device an access request message to establish the link, the access
request message including a second identifier associated with a plurality of access
points configured to provide the link, the plurality of access points including the
apparatus, the second identifier including a sequence of bits having a bit length,
wherein the sequence of bits is based on the first identifier, and wherein the bit
length of the sequence of bits is less than the first number of bits. The apparatus
further includes a transmitter configured to transmit an access response message establishing
the link with the device and including the first identifier.
[0044] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for storing a first identifier for the apparatus, the
first identifier for establishing a link with the apparatus and having a first number
of bits. The apparatus further includes means for receiving from a device an access
request message to establish the link, the access request message including a second
identifier associated with a plurality of access points configured to provide the
link, the plurality of access points including the apparatus, the second identifier
including a sequence of bits having a bit length, wherein the sequence of bits is
based on the first identifier, and wherein the bit length of the sequence of bits
is less than the first number of bits. The apparatus further includes means for transmitting
an access response message establishing the link with the device and including the
first identifier.
[0045] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of an apparatus in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the apparatus
to store a first identifier for the apparatus, the first identifier for establishing
a link with the apparatus and having a first number of bits. The medium further includes
code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to receive from a device an access
request message to establish the link, the access request message including a second
identifier associated with a plurality of access points configured to provide the
link, the plurality of access points including the apparatus, the second identifier
including a sequence of bits having a bit length, wherein the sequence of bits is
based on the first identifier, and wherein the bit length of the sequence of bits
is less than the first number of bits. The medium further includes code that, when
executed, causes the apparatus to transmit an access response message establishing
the link with the device and including the first identifier.
[0046] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method includes assigning a first identifier to a first access point, the first
identifier for establishing a link with the first access point and having a first
number of bits. The method further includes transmitting an access request message
to one or more access points configured to provide the link, the access request message
including the first identifier. The method further includes receiving from a second
access point of the one or more access points an access response message establishing
the link and including a second identifier associated with the second access point,
the second identifier including the first identifier combined with an additional identifier.
[0047] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
device configured to reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication
system. The device includes a memory configured to store a first identifier for establishing
a link with a first access point and having a first number of bits. The device further
includes a transmitter configured to transmit an access request message to one or
more access points configured to provide the link, the access request message including
the first identifier. The device further includes a receiver configured to receive
from a second access point of the one or more access points an access response message
establishing the link and including a second identifier associated with the second
access point, the second identifier including the first identifier combined with an
additional identifier.
[0048] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for storing a first identifier for the apparatus, the
first identifier for establishing a link with the apparatus and having a first number
of bits. The apparatus further includes means for transmitting an access request message
to one or more access points configured to provide the link, the access request message
including the first identifier. The apparatus further includes means for receiving
from a second access point of the one or more access points an access response message
establishing the link and including a second identifier associated with the first
access point, the second identifier including the first identifier combined with an
additional identifier.
[0049] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of an apparatus. The instructions cause the apparatus to store a first identifier
for the apparatus, the first identifier for establishing a link with the apparatus
and having a first number of bits. The medium further includes code that, when executed,
causes the apparatus to transmit an access request message to one or more access points
configured to provide the link, the access request message including the first identifier.
The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to receive
from a second access point of the one or more access points an access response message
establishing the link and including a second identifier associated with the first
access point, the second identifier including the first identifier combined with an
additional identifier.
[0050] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method includes receiving, at a wireless communication device from a network service
provider, a first message indicating a characteristic for each of one or more network
services for obtaining the network service in the wireless communication system. The
method further includes selecting, at the wireless communication device, a network
service of the one or more network services to associate with based on the characteristics.
The method further includes queuing for transmission, at the wireless communication
device, a first message for requesting information to obtain the network service.
The method further includes before transmission of the message, receiving a second
message comprising the information. The method further includes removing the message
from the queue when the second message comprises the information.
[0051] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
wireless communication device configured to reduce signaling during link setup in
a wireless communication system. The device includes a receiver configured to receive,
from a network service provider, a first message indicating a characteristic for each
of one or more network services for obtaining the network service in the wireless
communication system. The device further includes one or more processors configured
to select a network service of the one or more network services to associate with
based on the characteristics. The processor is further configured to queue for transmission
a first message for requesting information to obtain the network service. The processor
is further configured to, before transmission of the message, receive a second message
comprising the information. The processor is further configured to remove the message
from the queue when the second message comprises the information.
[0052] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for receiving, at a wireless communication device from
a network service provider, a first message indicating a characteristic for each of
one or more network services for obtaining the network service in the wireless communication
system. The apparatus further includes means for selecting, at the wireless communication
device, a network service of the one or more network services to associate with based
on the characteristics. The apparatus further includes means for queuing for transmission,
at the wireless communication device, a first message for requesting information to
obtain the network service. The apparatus further includes means for receiving a second
message comprising the information, before transmission of the message. The apparatus
further includes means for removing the message from the queue when the second message
comprises the information.
[0053] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of an apparatus in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the apparatus
to receive, at a wireless communication device from a network service provider, a
first message indicating a characteristic for each of one or more network services
for obtaining the network service in the wireless communication system. The medium
further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to select, at the
wireless communication device, a network service of the one or more network services
to associate with based on the characteristics. The medium further includes code that,
when executed, causes the apparatus to queue for transmission, at the wireless communication
device, a first message for requesting information to obtain the network service.
The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to, before
transmission of the message, receive a second message comprising the information,
The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to remove
the message from the queue when the second message comprises the information.
[0054] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling in a wireless communication system. The method includes
providing, at an access point, a network service configured to communicate via a plurality
of channels. The method further includes determining, at the access point, a characteristic
of the network service comprising a load value for each of the plurality of channels.
The method further includes transmitting, from the access point, a message advertising
the network service and indicating the characteristic of the network service. The
method further includes receiving, at the access point, a plurality of access requests
from a plurality of devices. The method further includes determining demand for wireless
communication based on the plurality of access requests. The method further includes
modifying a broadcast of the message advertising the network service based on the
determined demand.
[0055] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides an access
point configured to communicate via a plurality of channels. The access point includes
a processor configured to determine a characteristic of the network service comprising
a load value for each of the plurality of channels. The access point further includes
a transmitter configured to transmit a message advertising the network service and
indicating the characteristic of the network service. The access point further includes
a receiver configured to receive a plurality of access requests from a plurality of
devices. The processor is further configured to determine demand for wireless communication
based on the plurality of access requests. The processor is further configured to
modify a broadcast of the message advertising the network service based on the determined
demand.
[0056] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for providing, at an access point, a network service
configured to communicate via a plurality of channels. The apparatus further includes
means for determining, at the access point, a characteristic of the network service
comprising a load value for each of the plurality of channels. The apparatus further
includes means for transmitting, from the access point, a message advertising the
network service and indicating the characteristic of the network services. The apparatus
further includes means for receiving, at the access point, a plurality of access requests
from a plurality of devices. The apparatus further includes means for determining
demand for wireless communication based on the plurality of access requests. The apparatus
further includes means for modifying a broadcast of the message advertising the network
service based on the determined demand.
[0057] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of an apparatus in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the apparatus
to provide, at an access point, a network service configured to communicate via a
plurality of channels. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes
the apparatus to determine, at the access point, a characteristic of the network service
comprising a load value for each of the plurality of channels. The medium further
includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to transmit, from the access
point, a message advertising the network service and indicating the characteristic
of the network service. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes
the apparatus to receive, at the access point, a plurality of access requests from
a plurality of devices. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes
the apparatus to determine demand for wireless communication based on the plurality
of access requests. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the
apparatus to modify a broadcast of the message advertising the network service based
on the determined demand.
[0058] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method includes receiving, at a terminal, a message including information for
establishing a link with a device in the wireless communication system. The method
further includes identifying, at the terminal, a time slot and a back-off amount within
the identified time slot based on a value included in the received message. The method
further includes abstaining from sensing a medium based on the identified time slot
and the identified back-off amount. The method further includes transmitting an association
request message to establish the link with the device during the identified time slot
after expiration of the back-off amount.
[0059] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus configured to reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication
system. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a message including
information for establishing a link with a device in the wireless communication system.
The apparatus further includes a processor configured to identify a time slot and
a back-off amount within the identified time slot based on a value included in the
received message. The processor is further configured to abstain from sensing a medium
based on the identified time slot and the identified back-off amount. The apparatus
further includes a transmitter configured to transmit an association request message
to establish the link with the device during the time slot after expiration of the
back-off amount.
[0060] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The apparatus includes means for receiving a message including information for establishing
a link with a device in the wireless communication system. The apparatus further includes
means for identifying a time slot and a back-off amount based on a value included
in the received message. The apparatus further includes means for establishing the
link with the device, the means configured to abstain from sensing a medium based
on the identified time slot and the identified back-off amount. The processor is further
configured to transmit an association request message to establish the link with the
device during the identified time slot after expiration of the back-off amount.
[0061] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of an apparatus in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the apparatus
to receive a message including information for establishing a link with a device in
the wireless communication system. The medium further includes code that, when executed,
causes the apparatus to identify a time slot and a back-off amount within the identified
time slot based on a value included in the received message. The medium further includes
code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to abstain from sensing a medium based
on the identified time slot and the identified back-off amount. The medium further
includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to transmit an association
request message to establish the link with the device during the identified time slot
after expiration of the back-off amount.
[0062] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method includes generating, at a device, a value identifying a time period for
a plurality of terminals to transmit association request messages, the association
request messages requesting a link with the device. The method further includes transmitting
a message including the value to the terminals. The method further includes receiving,
during the identified time period, an association request message for establishing
the link from one of the terminals.
[0063] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
device configured to reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication
system. The device includes a processor configured to generate a value identifying
a time period for a plurality of terminals to transmit association request messages
to the device, the association request messages for establishing a link with the device.
The device further includes a transmitter configured to transmit a message including
the value to the terminals. The device further includes a receiver configured to receive,
during the identified time period, an association request message for establishing
the link from one of the terminals.
[0064] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
device for reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The device includes means for generating a value identifying a time period for terminals
to transmit association request messages to establish a link with the device. The
device further includes means for transmitting a message including the value to the
terminals. The device further includes means for receiving, during the identified
time period, an association request message for establishing the link from a terminal
to establish the link between the device and the terminal.
[0065] Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides another
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor
of a device in a wireless communication system. The instructions cause the device
to generate a value identifying a time period for terminals to transmitting association
request messages to establish a link with the wireless communication system via the
device. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus
to transmit a message including the value to the terminals. The medium further includes
code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to receive, during the identified time
period, an association request message for establishing the link from a terminal to
establish the link between the device and the terminal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0066]
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary wireless communication system in which aspects of the present
disclosure can be employed.
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary communication exchange in the wireless communication system
of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows an exemplary compressed beacon that can be employed within the wireless
communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 shows an exemplary action management frame that can be employed within the
wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 shows an exemplary network domain identifier element that can be employed within
the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 shows an exemplary neighbor network element that can be employed within the
wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary a wireless device that can
be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method of wireless communication that can
be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 9 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication that
can be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 10 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication that
can be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication that
can be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication that
can be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 13 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication that
can be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 14 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication that
can be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 15 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication that
can be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 16 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication that
can be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 17 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication that
can be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 18 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication that
can be employed within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings
is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and
is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention can
be practiced. The term "exemplary" used throughout this description means "serving
as an example, instance, or illustration," and should not necessarily be construed
as preferred or advantageous over other exemplary embodiments. The detailed description
includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of
the exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in
the art that the exemplary embodiments of the invention can be practiced without these
specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in
block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the novelty of the exemplary embodiments
presented herein.
[0068] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary wireless communication system 100 in which aspects of the
present disclosure can be employed. The wireless communication system 100 includes
an access point (AP) 104a, which communicates with a plurality of stations (STAs)
106a-106d in a basic service area (BSA) 107a. The wireless communication system 100
can further include a second AP 104b which can communicate in a BSA 107b. One or more
STAs 106 can move in and/or out of the BSAs 107a-107b, for example, via a train 120.
In various embodiments described herein, the STAs 106 and 106a-106d can be configured
to quickly establish wireless links with the AP 104a and/or 104b, particularly when
moving into the BSAs 107a and/or 107b.
[0069] The various fast initial link setup ("FILS") implementations described herein can
provide enhanced system performance under a variety of use conditions. In some embodiments,
when a large number of STAs 106 move into range of an AP 104a and/or 104b, they can
create a large amount of wireless traffic, for example, in an attempt to establish
a wireless link with the AP 104a. In some instances, the STAs 106 can generate hundreds
of connection attempts per second. A high number of STAs 106 requesting access can
cause packet collisions and/or dropping of packets, thereby potentially reducing network
performance. As another example, the STAs 106 may only be within range of an AP 104a
and/or 104b for a short amount of time. For example, the train 120 may enter and exit
the BSA 107a in a matter of seconds, or even milliseconds. Accordingly, a faster initial
link setup can provide network connectivity for a greater amount of time, and can
reduce latency. As described in greater detail herein, the devices 106 and 104a-106b
can implement various techniques to reduce signaling, and thereby enhance network
performance.
[0070] In various embodiments, the wireless communication system 100 can include a wireless
local area network (WLAN). The WLAN can be used to interconnect nearby devices, employing
one or more networking protocols. The various aspects described herein can apply to
any communication standard, such as IEEE 802.11 wireless protocols. For example, the
various aspects described herein can be used as part of the IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b,
802.11g, 802.11n, and/or 802.11ah protocols. Implementations of the 802.11 protocols
can be used for sensors, home automation, personal healthcare networks, surveillance
networks, metering, smart grid networks, intra- and inter-vehicle communication, emergency
coordination networks, cellular (e.g., 3G/4G) network offload, short- and/or long-range
Internet access, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, etc.
[0071] The APs 104a-104b can serve as a hub or base station for the wireless communication
system 100. For example, the AP 104a can provide wireless communication coverage in
the BSA 107a, and the AP 104b can provide wireless communication coverage in the BSA
107b. The AP 104a and/or 104b can include, be implemented as, or known as a NodeB,
Radio Network Controller (RNC), eNodeB, Base Station Controller (BSC), Base Transceiver
Station (BTS), Base Station ("BS"), Transceiver Function (TF), Radio Router, Radio
Transceiver, or some other terminology.
[0072] The STAs 106 and 106a-106d (collectively referred to herein as STAs 106) can include
a variety of devices such as, for example, laptop computers, personal digital assistants
(PDAs), mobile phones, etc. The STAs 106 can connect to, or associate with, the APs
104a-104b via a WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocol such as 802.1lah) compliant wireless
link to obtain general connectivity to the Internet or to other wide area networks.
[0073] In various embodiments, the STAs 106 can include, be implemented as, or be known
as access terminals (ATs), subscriber stations, subscriber units, mobile stations,
remote stations, remote terminals, user terminals (UTs), terminals, user agents, user
devices, user equipment (UEs), or some other terminology. In some implementations,
a STA 106 can include a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation
Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), a handheld device having wireless connection capability, or some other suitable
processing device connected to a wireless modem. Accordingly, one or more aspects
taught herein can be incorporated into a phone (e.g., a cellular phone or smartphone),
a computer (e.g., a laptop), a portable communication device, a headset, a portable
computing device (e.g., a personal data assistant), an entertainment device (e.g.,
a music or video device, or a satellite radio), a gaming device or system, a global
positioning system device, or any other suitable device that is configured to communicate
via a wireless medium.
[0074] The AP 104a, along with the STAs 106a-106d associated with the AP 104a, and that
are configured to use the AP 104a for communication, can be referred to as a basic
service set (BSS). In some embodiments, the wireless communication system 100 may
not have a central AP 104a. For example, in some embodiments, the wireless communication
system 100 can function as a peer-to-peer network between the STAs 106. Accordingly,
the functions of the AP 104a described herein can alternatively be performed by one
or more of the STAs 106. Moreover the AP 104a can implement one or more aspects described
with respect to the STAs 106, in some embodiments.
[0075] A communication link that facilitates transmission from the AP 104a to one or more
of the STAs 106 can be referred to as a downlink (DL) 130, and a communication link
that facilitates transmission from one or more of the STAs 106 to the AP 104a can
be referred to as an uplink (UL) 140. Alternatively, a downlink 130 can be referred
to as a forward link or a forward channel, and an uplink 140 can be referred to as
a reverse link or a reverse channel.
[0076] A variety of processes and methods can be used for transmissions in the wireless
communication system 100 between the AP 104a and the STAs 106. In some aspects, wireless
signals can be transmitted using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM),
direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications, a combination of OFDM and DSSS
communications, or other schemes. For example, signals can be sent and received between
the AP 104a and the STAs 106 in accordance with OFDM/OFDMA processes. Accordingly,
the wireless communication system 100 can be referred to as an OFDM/OFDMA system.
As another example, signals can be sent and received between the AP 104a and the STAs
106 in accordance with CDMA processes. Accordingly, the wireless communication system
100 can be referred to as a CDMA system.
[0077] Aspects of certain devices (such as the AP 104a and the STAs 106) implementing such
protocols can consume less power than devices implementing other wireless protocols.
The devices can be used to transmit wireless signals across a relatively long range,
for example about one kilometer or longer. As described in greater detail herein,
in some embodiments, devices can be configured to establish wireless links faster
than devices implementing other wireless protocols.
[0078] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary communication exchange 200 in the wireless communication
system 100 of FIG. 1. Signaling is shown, according to various embodiments, between
one or more STAs 106 and an AP 104 during association. The STAs 106 shown in FIG.
2 can include one or more of the STAs 106 and 106a-106d, described above with respect
to FIG. 1. Likewise, the AP 104 can include one or more of the APs 104a-104b, described
above with respect to FIG. 1.
[0079] Although specific details can vary according to various embodiments, which are described
below, the AP 104 will generally broadcast a beacon 205, advertising a wireless network
managed by the AP 104. The AP 104 can periodically transmit the beacon 205, which
can include information on how the STAs 106 can communicate with the AP 104, and the
capabilities of the AP 104. In some embodiments, the AP 104 can be configured to transmit
the beacon 205 at a beacon interval of, for example, 100 ms. Accordingly, in cases
where the STAs 106 are moving rapidly, a significant portion of the time during which
the STAs 106 are in range of the AP 104 could be spent waiting for the beacon 205.
For example, where the STAs 106 are on the train 120 (FIG. 1), the STAs 106 might
be in range of the AP 104 for less than one second.
[0080] The STAs 106 can also request information about the wireless network managed by the
AP 104 by transmitting probe requests 210. The STAs 106 can transmit one or more probe
requests 210, for example, when they have not yet seen a beacon 205, to obtain additional
information about the AP 104, and/or to determine which APs are in range. In various
embodiments described herein, the probe requests 210 can be referred to generally
as access requests.
[0081] The AP 104 can respond to one or more probe requests 210 with one or more probe responses
215. The probe responses 215 can include, for example, information on how the STAs
106 can communicate with the AP 104, and the capabilities of the AP 104. In various
embodiments described herein, the probe responses 215 can be referred to generally
as access responses.
[0082] Because, in some embodiments, the STAs 106 can request and receive probe responses
215 more often than they receive intermittent beacons 205, the STAs 106 can learn
about the AP 104 quicker. Accordingly, wireless link setup time and latency can be
reduced. In some cases, however, there may be a large number of probe requests 210.
For example, where a large number of STAs 106 come within range of the AP 104, the
AP 104 may receive hundreds of probe requests 210 per second. In some embodiments,
the AP 104 can transmit a probe response 215 in response to each probe request 210.
Accordingly, the wireless medium can become congested, ultimately increasing link
setup time and latency, and decreasing network performance.
Dynamic Probe Response
[0083] In some embodiments, the AP 104 can be configured to detect increased probe request
210 traffic, and to anticipatorily transmit probe responses 215 with increased frequency.
For example, the AP 104 can monitor one or more properties of the probe requests 210,
such as a number of requests 210, a rate of requests 210, signal strengths associated
with the probe requests 210, etc. When the monitored probe requests 210 surpass a
threshold, the AP 104 can begin broadcasting probe responses 215, instead of individually
responding to each probe request 210. Accordingly, as an increase in demand for network
access is detected, the AP 104 can transition from unicasting probe responses 215
to broadcasting probe responses 215. As the AP 104 detects further increases in the
number of probe requests 210, the AP 104 can increase the rate at which it broadcasts
the probe responses 215.
[0084] The STAs 106 can receive the broadcast probe responses 215, regardless of whether
they have transmitted a probe request 220. Accordingly, some STAs 106 may refrain
from transmitting a probe request 210 because they have already received information
about the AP 104 from a broadcast probe response 215. In some embodiments, a STA 106
can queue a probe request 220 for transmission. If the STA 106 detects a broadcast
probe response 215 prior to transmission of the probe request 220, the STA 106 can
abort the probe request 220, for example, by removing the probe request 220 from a
transmission queue. In some embodiments, the STAs 106 can dequeue probe requests 220
as described below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 14. Accordingly, the STAs
106 can achieve faster link setup by avoiding an additional exchange of probe request
210 and probe response 215.
[0085] As the rate of probe requests 210 messages decreases, the AP 104 can switch to a
lower broadcast rate for probe responses 215. In some instances, the AP 104 can stop
broadcasting probe responses 215, and can return to a unicast mode in which individual
probe responses 215 are send directly to individual STAs 106 in response to individual
probe requests 210. In various embodiments, the AP 104 can modify probe responses
215 as described below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 8.
Compressed Beacon
[0086] In some implementations, the AP 104 can modify the beacon 205 in response to the
detected probe request 210 traffic, either instead of, or in addition to, the broadcast
probe responses 215 described above. For example, during high traffic periods, the
AP 104 can shorten and/or compress the beacon 205, which can reduce transmit time.
In various embodiments, the AP 104 can transmit the compressed beacon 225 as described
below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 8. The resulting shortened or compressed
beacon 225 can also reduce the amount of processing required to decode the signal.
Accordingly, the STAs 106 can establish a wireless link with the AP 104 in less time.
[0087] The compressed beacon 225 can have a shorter length than the uncompressed beacon
205. An example of a compressed beacon is shown in FIG. 3 and described in further
detail below. In some embodiments, the compressed beacon 225 can include an authentication
challenge value (e.g., anonce) for secure association between the AP 104 and the STAs
106. The authentication challenge value can be included in an information element
(e.g., an optional information element) of the beacon 225. In some implementations,
the STAs 106 can use the compressed beacon 225 to associate with the AP 104 instead
of using the probe response 215.
Targeted Probe Requests
[0088] In some embodiments, the STAs 106 can be configured to transmit a probe request 210
including a target network identifier. For example, the STAs 106 can transmit a probe
request 210 including a network identifier information element (IE), as discussed
below with respect to FIG. 4. The network identifier can be, for example, a service
set identification (SSID) corresponding to the AP 104. The AP 104 can be configured
to respond only to probe requests 210 including the SSID of the AP 104. The AP 104
can refrain from responding to probe requests 210 not including the SSID of the AP
104. Accordingly, the number of probe responses 215 can be reduced, and network performance
can be increased.
[0089] In some embodiments, the STAs 106 can be configured to transmit a probe request 210
identifying a set of target networks. For example, the probe request 210 can include
a shortened SSID including a subset of bits of the SSID of the AP 104. In some embodiments,
all the APs 104 of a particular wireless provider can have network identifiers with
one or more common bits. For example, the APs 104a-104b (FIG. 1) can have SSIDs starting
with the same bits. The common bits can be referred to herein as a "partial SSID."
The AP 104 can be configured to respond only to probe requests 210 including the partial
SSID of the AP 104. The AP 104 can refrain from responding to probe requests 210 not
including the partial SSID of the AP 104. Accordingly, the number of probe responses
215 can be reduced, and network performance can be increased. At the same time, a
STAs 106 can receive probe responses 215 from a plurality of targeted APs 104 by sending
a single probe request 210.
[0090] In some embodiments, the probe request 210 can include a "virtual" identifier that
can correspond to one or more related APs. For example, the STAs 106 can address the
probe requests 210 to a "virtual" media access control (MAC) address, which may differ
from a physical MAC address of the AP 104. The AP 104 can be configured to respond
to probe requests 210 addressed to one or more virtual MAC addresses. Likewise, another
AP, such as the AP 104a or 104b (FIG. 1) can be configured to respond to probe requests
210 addressed to the same virtual MAC address. Thus, the STAs 106 can receive information
about all the APs corresponding to the virtual identifier without broadcasting the
probe request 210. Accordingly, the number of probe responses 215 can be reduced,
and network performance can be increased.
[0091] When the AP 104 responds to a probe request 210 including a shortened, virtual, or
partial identifier corresponding to the AP 104, it can include the full SSID and/or
the real MAC address in the probe response 215. Because the shortened identifier can
be shorter than a full identifier, the STAs 106 can transmit fewer bits, thereby speeding
up transmission and reducing link setup time. Moreover, the AP 104 will receive fewer
bits, which can increase processing speed. In various embodiments, the STAs 106 can
transmit probe requests 210 as described below in greater detail with respect to FIG.
10. The probe The AP 104 can transmit probe responses 215 as described below in greater
detail with respect to FIG. 9. One or more messages can include an action management
frame as described below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 4.
Association Contention
[0092] In general, after the STAs 106 receive information for establishing a link with the
AP 104 (for example via a beacon 205, a probe response 215, and/or a compressed beacon
225), the STAs 106 will establish a link, or "associate" with the AP 104. For example,
the STAs 106 can send association requests 230 to the AP 104. In various embodiments
described herein, the association requests 230 can be referred to generally as access
requests. The AP 104 can respond with association responses 240. In various embodiments
described herein, the association responses 240 can be referred to generally as access
responses.
[0093] As with probe requests 210, there may be a large number of association requests 230.
For example, where a large number of STAs 106 come within range of the AP 104, the
AP 104 may receive hundreds of association requests 230 in a short amount of time.
In some embodiments, overlapping association messages can collide, ultimately increasing
link setup time and latency, and decreasing network performance.
[0094] In some implementations, the STAs 106 can be configured to delay transmission of
association requests 235, thereby reducing the rate of collisions. For example, the
STAs 106 can be configured to identify a transmission time slot and a back-off amount
within the identified time slot. By identifying a time slot during which to transmit
the delayed association request 235, the requests 235 can be spread over multiple
time slots. Where the number of STAs 106 is greater than the number of available time
slots, controlling when each device assigned to the same time slot transmits can improve
efficiency. In various embodiments, the STAs 106 can be configured to delay transmission
of association requests 235 as described below in greater detail with respect to FIG.
12.
[0095] In some implementations, the AP 104 can be configured to indicate a window of time
during which the STAs 106 should transmit association requests 235. Accordingly, the
AP 104 can perform other tasks outside the indicated time window, such as processing
data for previously associated devices. Scheduling association request 235 processing
in this manner can therefore increase efficiency. In various embodiments, the AP 104
can be configured to indicate an association request transmit window as described
below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 13.
Access Response Window
[0096] In some implementations, the AP 104 can schedule transmission of access responses
(e.g., probe responses 215 and/or association responses 240) during an access response
window 250. For example, the AP 104 can be configured to transmit access response
messages during specified transmit windows. The access response window 250 can be
dynamic, for example based on the number of pending responses. In some implementations,
the AP 104 can also be configured to request a contention free period (e.g., clear-to-send)
before transmitting the access response message. Accordingly, signal collisions can
be reduced. In various embodiments, the AP 104 can schedule the access response window
250 as described below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 11.
Service Load Information
[0097] In some implementations, the AP 104 can transmit channel load information 245 to
the STAs 106. The STAs 106 can determine a communication channel based on the channel
load information 106. In some embodiments, the AP 104 can provide one or more channels
for communication with the STAs 106. In some implementations, each channel corresponds
to a different frequency. As each channel can experience a different signal load,
some channels can be busier than other channels. Accordingly, in some cases, the STAs
106 can increase network performance by diverting traffic to under-utilized (e.g.,
lower load) channels.
[0098] In some embodiments, the AP 104 can transmit channel load information 245 including
load information for at least one other AP. For example, the AP 104 may be logically
related to another nearby AP (not shown). The AP 104 can determine load information
of the other AP, for example, via a backhaul connection, or by receiving the channel
load information 245 from the other AP. In some cases, the STAs 106 can increase network
performance by choosing an AP to associate with based on the channel load information
245. For example, if the AP 104 is under a heavy load, a STA 106 can be configured
to access the other AP. Because the other AP is less loaded, association time can
be reduced.
[0099] In some embodiments, the AP 104 can transmit the channel load information 245 as
discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 15. The STAs 106 can receive
the channel load information 245 as discussed in greater detail below with respect
to FIG. 16. The channel load information 245 can include a probe response including
a neighbor network element as described in further detail below with respect to FIG.
6.
Network Domains
[0100] A network operator can associate one or more APs into a logical grouping. In some
implementations, this logical grouping can be referred to as a network domain. An
AP can be included in more than one network domain. For example, the AP 104 can be
associated with a first network domain grouping APs configured for multimedia communication
and a second network domain grouping APs configured for video chat communication.
Each network domain can be associated with a network domain identifier. An example
network domain identifier element 500 is shown and described in further detail in
reference to FIG. 5.
[0101] The STAs 106 can use the network domain identifier 500 (FIG. 5) to access any AP
104 belonging to the identified network domain. A network domain identifier 500 can
include one or more of a value identifying a specific network operator and/or telecommunication
service provider, a value identifying an application, a value identifying a class
of an application (e.g., chat, text, video, multimedia), and a universal resource
location (e.g., a website address). An example of a network domain identifier is a
public land mobile network identifier. In some implementations, a public land mobile
network identifier can include a mobile country code and a mobile network code associated
with the network operator and/or telecommunication service provider.
[0102] The network domain identifier can be included in and/or derived from other network
identifiers such as an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), tracking area
code (TAI), globally unique temporary UE identity (GUTI), evolved universal mobile
telecommunications system terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) cell identifier
(ECGI), etc. In implementations where the network domain identifier is derived, the
derivation can include calculating the identifier based on the provided values, using
a portion (e.g., a number of most significant bits, bits at a specified location)
of the provided value, obtaining the network domain identifier through a look-up service
(e.g., database, remote directory, etc.), or combining portions (e.g., a number of
most significant bits, bits at a specified location) of two or more provided values.
Accordingly, a STA 106 need not specifically identify a particular AP 104 to access,
but can identify a domain of APs with which to associate. Thus, a STA 106 can more
quickly establish a link with the AP 104 by identifying a generic group of APs rather
and explicitly identifying the AP 104 to associate with.
[0103] In some embodiments, the AP 104 can transmit the network domain identifiers as discussed
in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 17. In some embodiments, the STAs 106
can receive the network domain identifiers as discussed in greater detail below with
respect to FIG. 18. For example, the AP 104 can include the network domain identifiers
in one or more of the beacon 205, probe responses 215, and/or the compressed beacon
224. The STAs 106 can associate with the AP 104, via the association requests 230,
based on the network domain identifier of the AP 104.
[0104] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary compressed beacon 300 that can be employed within the wireless
communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The compressed beacon 300 shown in FIG. 3 can
be included in one or more of the implementations described herein to improve messaging
based on beacons. For example, the compressed beacon 300 can include the compressed
beacon 225 (FIG. 2). A transmitting device, such as the AP 104 (FIG. 2), can transmit
the compressed beacon 225 (FIG. 2), thereby expending fewer resources (e.g., power,
processing, memory, air time, bandwidth) than would be expended to transmit a full-size
beacon 205 (FIG. 2). A receiving device, such as the STAs 106 (FIG. 2), can similarly
consume fewer resources to receive and process the beacon 300. In either device, this
can result in an expedited message processing, such as expedited initial link setup.
[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the compressed beacon 300 includes a frame control
(FC) field 302, a source address (SA) field 304, a compressed SSID 306, a timestamp
308, a change sequence field 310, an information field 312, one or more information
elements (IEs), and a cyclic redundancy check 316. A person having ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate that the compressed beacon 300 can include additional fields,
and fields can be rearranged, removed, and/or resized.
[0106] In the example shown, the frame control field 302 is two octets. In some implementations,
the frame control field 302 can be one, four, or ten octets. In some implementations
the frame control field 302 can be of variable length from signal to signal. The frame
control field 302 can include values indicating characteristics that help a receiving
device identify the compressed beacon 300 as such. For example, the frame control
field 302 can include information such as an identifier of the frame type (e.g., management,
control, data) or a protocol version for the frame.
[0107] In the example shown, the source address field 304 is six octets. In some implementations,
the source address field 304 can be one, four, or ten octets. In some implementations
the source address field 304 can be of variable length from signal to signal. The
source address field 304 can include information to help a receiving device identify
the source of the beacon 300 such as a MAC address, a virtual identifier (e.g., as
described above), a shortened SSID (e.g., as described above), and the like.
[0108] In the example shown, the compressed SSID field 306 is of variable length. The length
of the compressed SSID field 306 can vary from signal to signal and/or from service
provider to service provider. In some implementations, the compressed SSID field 306
can be fixed-length, such as one, four, or ten octets. The compressed SSID field 306
can include an identifier as described above.
[0109] In the example shown, the timestamp field 308 is four octets. In some implementations,
the timestamp field 308 can be three, six, or ten octets. In some implementations
the timestamp field 308 can be of variable length from signal to signal and/or from
service provider to service provider. The timestamp field 308 includes information
about the time the compressed beacon 300 was generated.
[0110] In the example shown, the change sequence field 310 is one octet. In some implementations,
the change sequence field 310 can be four, six, or ten octets. In some implementations
the change sequence field 310 can be of variable length from signal to signal and/or
from service provider to service provider. The change sequence field 310 allows devices
receiving the signal to keep track of changes to an AP. In one implementation, the
AP can decrement the value of the change sequence field 310, change the change sequence
field 310 to a random or pseudorandom number, or otherwise modify change sequence
field 310 when the configuration of the AP changes. A device, such as a STA 106 (FIG.
1) receiving the compressed beacon 300 can be configured to detect the change in the
change sequence field 310 and respond accordingly. In various embodiments, the change
sequence field 310 can be referred to as a beacon number field or a beacon index field.
[0111] The information field 312, as shown in FIG. 3, is of variable length. The length
of the information field 312 can vary from signal to signal and/or from service provider
to service provider. In some implementations, the information field 312 can be fixed
length, such as one, four, or ten octets. The information field 312 can include various
information about the transmitting device (e.g., load information as described above),
the service provider, data, configuration information, and the like.
[0112] The optional IEs field 314 shown can include one or more informational elements.
Each informational element can be one or more octets in length. An example of an optional
information element is an authentication challenge value (e.g., anonce).
[0113] As shown, the CRC field 316 is a four octet field. In some implementations, the CRC
field 316 can be two, six, or ten octets. In some implementations the CRC field 316
can be of variable length from signal to signal and/or from service provider to service
provider. The CRC field 316 can be used for error detection by the transmitter or
receiver of the compressed beacon 300.
[0114] The compressed beacon 300, in part due to its short nature, can provide several desirable
aspects. First, the compressed beacon 300 requires fewer resources to transmit. For
example, the shorter beacon can include less data and thus requires fewer processor
cycles to prepare and transmit. This has the additional effect of reducing the power
needed to transmit the signal. As a shorter signal can also be transmitted more quickly
than a longer signal, the overall traffic for the transmitter can be reduced. On the
receiving end, the same benefits can be attained. As the signal can be shorter, the
receiver processes fewer bits of data thereby reducing the resources needed to receive
and process the signal as compared to a longer beacon. In the context of the beacon
300, the net effect can be to reduce the overall time to establish an initial link
between the AP 104 (FIG. 1) and the STAs 106 (FIG. 1).
[0115] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary action management frame 400 that can be employed within
the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. This action management frame 400
can include association information to enable network link setup in the implementations
described herein. As shown, the action management frame 400 includes a category field
402, an action field 404, a partial SSID 406, and an anonce field 408. A person having
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the action management frame 400 can
include additional fields, and fields can be rearranged, removed, and/or resized.
[0116] The category field 402 as shown is one octet. In some implementations, the category
field 402 can be two, four, or twelve octets. In some implementations, the category
field 402 can be of variable length, such as from signal to signal and/or as between
service providers. The category field 402 provides information that identifies the
type of management frame being transmitted. In this case, the category can be "action."
[0117] The action field 404 shown in FIG. 4 is a one octet field. In some implementations,
the action field 404 can be two, four, or twelve octets. In some implementations,
the action field 404 can be of variable length, such as from signal to signal and/or
as between service providers. The action field 404 can identify an action associated
with the category specified in the category field 402.
[0118] The partial SSID can be generated as described above. The partial SSID field 406
shown is sixteen octets. In some implementations, the partial SSID field 406 can be
two, twelve, or twenty-one octets. In some implementations, the partial SSID field
406 can be of variable length, such as from signal to signal and/or as between service
providers. The partial SSID field 406 can include a value indicating a partial identifier
that can be used by a receiving device to associate with the transmitting device.
[0119] The anonce field 408 shown in FIG. 4 is four octets. In some implementations, the
anonce field 408 can include two, seven, or twelve octets. In some implementations,
the anonce field 408 can have a variable length, whereby the length of the anonce
field 408 varies from signal to signal and/or as between service providers. The anonce
field 408 can include a value representing an authentication challenge value that
can be used to create an initial link between a STA 106 (FIG. 1) and an AP 104 (FIG.
1), as described above.
[0120] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary network domain identifier element 500 that can be employed
within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The network domain identifier
element 500 can indicate the identity of the network domain. As shown, the network
domain identifier element 500 includes an element identifier field 502, a length field
504, and a network domain identifier field 506. A person having ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that the network domain identifier element 500 can include
additional fields, and fields can be rearranged, removed, and/or resized.
[0121] As discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, the network domain identifier element
500 can be used in the probe request 210 to indicate the network domain from which
the STA 106 requests a probe response 215. The network domain identifier element 500
can be used in a probe response 215 or beacon frame 205 or 225 to indicate the network
domain identifier associated with the access point 104 (FIG. 2). If the AP 104 belongs
to multiple network domains, then the AP 104 can include more than one network domain
identifier element 500 in the beacon 205 or probe response 215.
[0122] The element identifier field 502 shown is one octet long. In some implementations,
the element identifier field 502 can be two, five, or twelve octets long. In some
implementations, the element identifier field 502 can be of variable length, such
as varying length from signal to signal and/or as between service providers. The element
identifier field 502 can include a value which identifies the element as a network
domain identifier element 500.
[0123] The length field 504 can be used to indicate the length of the network domain identifier
included in the network domain identifier element 500. The length field 504 shown
in FIG. 5 is one octet long. In some implementations, the length field 504 can be
two, five, or twelve octets long. In some implementations, the length field 504 can
be of variable length, such as varying length from signal to signal and/or as between
service providers.
[0124] The network domain identifier field 506 can be configured to indicate a value identifying
the network domain. As discussed above, a network domain identifier can include one
or more of a value identifying of a specific network operator and/or telecommunication
service provider, a value identifying an application, a value identifying a class
of an application (e.g., chat, text, video, multimedia), and a universal resource
location (e.g., website address).
[0125] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the network domain identifier field 506 is a variable
length field. In some implementations, the network domain identifier field 506 can
be a fixed length field (e.g., five octets, six octets, twelve octets). The length
of the network domain identifier field 506 can be common for all signals, common for
all signals for a network operator, or vary for all signals. Accordingly, the length
of the network domain identifier field 506 can be configured.
[0126] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary neighbor network element 600 that can be employed within
the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The neighbor network element 600
can include information about other networks in the vicinity of an AP transmitting
the signal including the neighbor network element 600. As shown, the neighbor network
element 600 includes an element identifier field 602, a length field 604, a basic
service set identifier (BSSID) field 606, a channel field 608, a loading field 610,
a SSID length field 612, a SSID field 614, an anonce field 616, a number of network
IDs field 618, a network ID length field 620, and a network ID field 622 for each
network domain to which the neighbor network belongs. A person having ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate that the neighbor network element 600 can include additional
fields, and fields can be rearranged, removed, and/or resized.
[0127] As discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, the AP 104 can include the neighbor network
element 600 in a beacon 205 or 225 or probe response 215 to enable the STAs 106 to
determine if another AP should be considered for association. The element identifier
field 602 can be similar to the element identifier field 502 described above with
respect to FIG. 5. The length field 604 can be similar to the length field 504 described
above with respect to FIG. 5.
[0128] The BSSID field 606 can include the BSSID of the neighboring network. The channel
field 608 can indicate the operating channel of neighboring network. The loading field
610 can identify the load factor for the operating channel. The SSID length field
612 can include a value indicating the length of the SSID included in the neighbor
network element 600. The SSID field 614 can include the SSID value of the neighboring
network.
[0129] The anonce field 616 can include an authentication challenge value that a STA 106
(FIG. 1) can use to associate with the identified neighbor network. The number of
network IDs field 618 can indicate the number of network domain IDs to which the neighboring
network belongs. The network ID length field 620 can indicate the length of the network
ID field 622, which can include a network ID for each network domain the neighbor
network belongs to. As shown in FIG. 6, only one domain is specified. However, the
network ID length field 620 and the network ID field 622 can repeat for each domain.
Accordingly, more than one instance of each field listed above can be included in
the signal to allow multiple channels and multiple neighbors to be identified.
[0130] While the fields shown in the neighbor element 600 can have identified octet lengths,
it will be understood that the field lengths shown are exemplary and other octet lengths
can be used. For example, the anonce field 616 is shown as including 32 octets, but
in some implementations, it can be desirable to include 9 octets for this field. Furthermore,
it will be understood that where a field is defined as a fixed length field, in some
implementations, it can be desirable to provide the field as a variable length field.
Finally, it will be understood that the example network neighbor element 600 can omit
certain fields (e.g., network ID length) or include additional fields (e.g., description)
without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0131] FIG. 7 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary a wireless device 702 that
can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The wireless
device 702 is an example of a device that can be configured to implement the various
methods described herein. For example, the wireless device 702 can include the AP
104 and/or one of the STAs 106.
[0132] The wireless device 702 can include one or more processor units 704 which are configured
to control operation of the wireless device 702. One or more of the processor units
704 can be collectively referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). A memory 706,
which can include both read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), provides
instructions and data to the processor units 704. A portion of the memory 706 can
also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). The processor units 704 can
be configured to perform logical and arithmetic operations based on program instructions
stored within the memory 706. The processor 704 can be configured to implement one
or more methods described herein, for example in conjunction with executable instructions
in the memory 706.
[0133] When the wireless device 702 is implemented or used as an AP, the processor 704 can
be configured to expedite the discovery of the AP by a STA and the creation of a link
with a STA. The processor 704 can be further configured to reduce contention for AP
resources. For example, a high volume of STAs requesting access can cause packet collisions
or dropping of packets. Various processes to expedite connection and improve resource
utilization are described in further detail herein.
[0134] When the wireless device 702 is implemented or used as a STA, the processor units
704 can be configured to expedite the discovery of an AP and the creation of a link
with the AP. The processor units 704 can be further configured to reduce contention
for AP resources. For example, through passive listening, a STA can acquire the information
needed to establish a link with an AP without directly requesting the information
from the AP. This and various other processes to expedite connection and improve resource
utilization are described in further detail below.
[0135] The processor units 704 can be implemented with any combination of general-purpose
microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable
gate array (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines,
gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware finite state machines,
or any other suitable entities that can perform calculations or other manipulations
of information. In an implementation where the processor units 704 include a DSP,
the DSP can be configured to generate a packet (e.g., a data packet) for transmission.
In some aspects, the packet can include a physical layer data unit (PPDU).
[0136] The wireless device 702 can also include machine-readable media for storing software.
The processing units 704 can include one or more machine-readable media for storing
software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean any type of instructions, whether
referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language,
or otherwise. Instructions can include code (e.g., in source code format, binary code
format, executable code format, or any other suitable format of code). The instructions,
when executed by the processor units 704, cause the wireless device 702 to perform
the various functions described herein.
[0137] The wireless device 702 can include a transmitter 710 and/or a receiver 712 to allow
transmission and reception, respectively, of data between the wireless device 702
and a remote location. The transmitter 710 and receiver 712 can be combined into a
transceiver 714. An antenna 716 can be attached to the housing 708 and electrically
coupled with the transceiver 714. The wireless device 702 can also include (not shown)
multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, and/or multiple
antennas.
[0138] The transmitter 710 can be configured to wirelessly transmit packets and/or signals.
For example, the transmitter 710 can be configured to transmit different types of
packets generated by the processor units 704, discussed above. The packets are made
available to the transmitter 701. For example, the processor units 704 can store a
packet in the memory 706 and the transmitter 701 can be configured to retrieve the
packet. Once the transmitter retrieves the packet, the transmitter 701 transmits the
packet to a STA 106 wireless device 702 via the antenna 716.
[0139] An antenna 716 on the STA 106 wireless device 702 detects wirelessly transmitted
packets/signals. The STA 106 receiver 712 can be configured to process the detected
packets/signals and make them available to the processor units 704. For example, the
STA 106 receiver 712 can store the packet in memory 706 and the processor units 704
can be configured to retrieve the packet.
[0140] The wireless device 702 can also include a signal detector 718 that can be used in
an effort to detect and quantify the level of signals received by the transceiver
714. The signal detector 718 can detect such signals as total energy, energy per subcarrier
per symbol, power spectral density, and other signals. The wireless device 702 can
also include a digital signal processor (DSP) 720 for use in processing signals. The
DSP 720 can be configured to generate a packet for transmission. In some aspects,
the packet can include a physical layer data unit (PPDU).
[0141] The wireless device 702 can further include a user interface 722 in some aspects.
The user interface 722 can include a keypad, a microphone, a speaker, and/or a display.
The user interface 722 can include any element or component that conveys information
to a user of the wireless device 702 and/or receives input from the user. The wireless
device 702 can also include a housing 708 surrounding one or more of the components
included in the wireless device 702.
[0142] The various components of the wireless device 702 can be coupled together by a bus
system 726. The bus system 726 can include a data bus, for example, as well as a power
bus, a control signal bus, and a status signal bus in addition to the data bus. Those
of skill in the art will appreciate the components of the wireless device 702 can
be coupled together or accept or provide inputs to each other using some other mechanism.
[0143] Although a number of separate components are illustrated in FIG. 7, those of skill
in the art will recognize that one or more of the components can be combined or commonly
implemented. For example, the processor units 704 can be used to implement not only
the functionality described above with respect to the processor units 704, but also
to implement the functionality described above with respect to the signal detector
718. Further, each of the components illustrated in FIG. 7 can be implemented using
a plurality of separate elements.
[0144] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method of wireless communication that can
be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated
method can reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein,
such as the wireless device 702 shown in FIG. 7. Although the illustrated method is
described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1, the communication exchange 200 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, and the wireless device 702 discussed above with respect to FIG.
7, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated
method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable
device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular
order, in various embodiments, blocks herein may be performed in a different order,
or omitted, and additional blocks may be added.
[0145] First, at block 802, the AP 104 transmits a message advertising wireless communication.
The AP 104 can transmit the message to a specific device, a specific group of devices,
or to any device configured to receive the signal. For example, as discussed above
with respect to FIG. 2, the AP 104 can broadcast the beacon 205. As another example,
the AP 104 can transmit one or more probe responses 215.
[0146] Then, at block 804, the AP 104 receives a plurality of access requests from the STAs
106. For example, the AP 104 can receive the probe requests 210.
[0147] Next, at block 806, the AP 104 detects a change in a number of access requests over
a period of time so as to determine a change in network congestion. For example as
discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, more probe requests 210 can be received when
the STAs 106 move into range of the AP 104, than when the STAs 106 are not in range.
Accordingly, the number of access requests can be indicative of an increased number
of STAs 106 attempting to associate with an access point. The change detection can
be based on one or more of a number of requests, a rate of requests, request message
signal strengths, a request message type, or the like.
[0148] Subsequently, at block 808, the AP 104 modifies a broadcast of the message advertising
wireless communication based on the detected change so as to satisfy the change in
demand. For example, if a train arrival is accompanied by a spike in the number of
access requests, such as probe requests 210, the AP 104 can begin broadcasting advertising
messages such as probe responses 215 at a regular interval rather than responding
individually to each probe request. 210. The STAs 106 can receive the broadcast probe
responses 215 and can use the information contained therein.
[0149] As an increase in demand for network access is detected, the AP 104a can switch from
unicasting probe responses 215 messages to broadcasting probe responses 215. If a
further increase is detected, the AP 104 can increase the rate at which the probe
responses 215 are broadcast. Conversely, as the rate of access request messages decreases,
the AP 104 can switch to a lower broadcast rate for access probe responses 215. In
some instances, the AP 104 can stop broadcasting probe responses 215 and can return
to the unicast mode for probe responses 215.
[0150] In some implementations, the alteration of the broadcast of an access response includes
increasing a modulation coding scheme (MCS) rate identified in the access response
message. Generally, the STAs 106 can begin negotiating a link with an AP 104 at a
low MCS rate. Once the link is established, the STAs 106 and the AP 104a can increase
the MCS rate. Rather than slowly ramping up to the higher MCS rate, during periods
of high traffic, the AP 104a can increase the MCS rate identified in the access response
message. This allows the STAs 106 faster access for a longer period of time. In one
example, upon determining an increase in traffic, the processor 204 can instruct the
transmitter 710 to use the higher MCS rate value for access response messages transmitted
by the wireless communication device.
[0151] In some implementations, the AP 104 can modify broadcast of the beacon 205. For instance,
during high traffic periods, the AP 104 can shorten or compress the beacon 205 to
expedite the transmission of the beacon 205. The shortened or compressed beacon 225
can also reduce the amount of processing required to decode the signal. Each of these
can reduce the amount of time taken to establish a link between the STAs 106 and an
AP 104. The compressed beacon 225 can include an authentication challenge value (e.g.,
anonce) for secure association between the AP 104a and the STAs 106. The authentication
challenge value can be included in an information element (e.g., optional information
element) of the beacon 225. In some implementations, the STAs 106 can use the compressed
beacon 225 to associate with the AP 104 in lieu of an access response message such
as a broadcast probe response 215. The compressed beacon 225 can be compressed by
shortening the length of the beacon as compared to an uncompressed beacon 205. An
example of a compressed beacon is shown in FIG. 3.
[0152] In some implementations, the AP 104 can transmit a full beacon 205, or a beacon including
the elements that can be used by the STA to associate with the AP 104 can be transmitted.
An example beacon 205 can include a fast initial link setup (FILS) beacon. The transmission
can be performed according to a schedule, for example multiple times within a target
beacon transmission time (TBTT). In some implementations, to reduce the medium occupancy,
these beacons 205 can be transmitted at a higher transmission rate (e.g., transmitted
according to a modulation and coding scheme (MCS)). Accordingly, the STAs 106 that
are able to decode the higher MCS beacon 205 can begin associating with the access
point without waiting for additional association information. For example, a STA 106
located closer to the AP 104 is more likely to receive and decode the higher MCS beacon
than another STA 106 located further from the AP 104. Accordingly, the closer STA
106 can associate with the AP 104 based on the higher MCS beacon. By allowing an early
association of the STAs 106 closer to the AP 104, the rate of device association can
be slowed, which can reduce congestion in the network as well as at the AP 104.
[0153] In some implementations, the AP 104 can implement a new class for beaconing frequency.
The class can include a large arbitration interframe space (AIFS) such as short interframe
spaces along with seven slots. Other numbers of slots can be specified, such as 2,
3, or 12, without departing from the
scope of the description. The class can further include a large contention window size
such as, for example, 1023. Accordingly, if the AP 104 detects no additional network
traffic, the AP 104 can transmit the beacon 205 approximately every millisecond. In
some implementations, the AP 104 can transmit the beacon 205 at a lower power and/or
lower priority than a previously transmitted beacon.
[0154] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 8 can be implemented in a wireless device
that can include a broadcast circuit, a receiving circuit, a detecting circuit, and
a modification circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless device
may have more components than the simplified wireless device described herein. The
wireless device described herein includes only those components useful for describing
some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the claims.
[0155] The broadcast circuit can be configured to broadcast a message advertising the wireless
communication of the wireless communication system. The broadcast circuit can include
one or more of the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), a signal generator, a power source, an amplifier,
the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7), and the memory 706 (FIG. 7). In some implementations,
means for broadcasting can include the broadcast circuit.
[0156] The receiving circuit can be configured to receive a plurality of request messages
from a plurality of devices. The receiving circuit can include one or more of the
receiver 712 (FIG. 7), the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the processor 704 (FIG. 7), and the
memory 706 (FIG. 7). In some implementations, means for receiving include the receiving
circuit.
[0157] The detecting circuit can be configured to detect a change in a number of request
messages for the communication service over a period of time so as to determine a
change in demand for the communication service. The detecting circuit can include
one or more of the processor 704 (FIG. 7), the memory 706 (FIG. 7), a clock, a counter,
an arithmetic unit, and a comparator. Means for detecting can include, for example,
the detecting circuit.
[0158] The modification circuit can be configured to modify the broadcast of the message
advertising the wireless communication based in part on the detected change so as
to satisfy the change in demand. The modification circuit can include one or more
of the processor 704 (FIG. 7), a comparator, the DSP 720 (FIG. 7), the memory 706
(FIG. 7), and a frequency generator. In some implementations, means for modifying
the broadcast of the signal include the modification circuit.
[0159] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication that
can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated
method can reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein,
such as the wireless device 702 shown in FIG. 7. Although the illustrated method is
described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1, the communication exchange 200 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, and the wireless device 702 discussed above with respect to FIG.
7, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated
method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable
device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular
order, in various embodiments, blocks herein may be performed in a different order,
or omitted, and additional blocks may be added.
[0160] First, at block 902 a first identifier is assigned to an access point, such as an
the AP 104. The first identifier is assigned for establishing a link with the AP 104
and includes a first number of bits. The first identifier can be statically assigned,
such as in memory (e.g., pre-loaded, SIM card, USB drive, floppy disk). The first
identifier can be assigned by a service provider at the time of device purchase. The
first identifier can be assigned dynamically such as by receiving the identifier via
wired or wireless signaling. Other methods of assigning an identifier can also be
applied. The identifier has a particular bit length. For example, the identifier can
be an SSID assigned to the AP 104.
[0161] In an embodiment, all the APs 104a-104b of a particular provider can have an identifier
with one or more common bits. For example, the SSID of the APs 104a-104b can begin
with the same bit sequence. Accordingly, STAs 106 can isolate communications to a
given provider by addressing communications using the common bits associated with
the provider. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, the APs 104a and 104b can belong
to the same provider. Accordingly, the SSIDs for the APs 104a and 104b can be assigned
as shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1
Access Point |
Assigned SSID |
AP 104a |
11111111-22222222-33333333-44444444 |
AP 104b |
11111111-22222222-33333333-55555555 |
[0162] Next, at block 904, the AP 104 receives an access request message to establish the
link from a device. For example, the AP 104 can receive a probe request 210 or an
association request 230 or 235 from a STA 106. The access request message includes
a second identifier associated with a plurality of devices configured to provide the
link, the plurality of devices including the device, the second identifier including
a sequence of bits having a bit length, wherein the sequence of bits is based on the
first identifier, and wherein the bit length of the sequence of bits is less than
the first number of bits. As shown in Table 1, the SSIDs of both APs 104a and 104b,
begin with the same 24-characters, but end with different characters. Accordingly,
the STA 106 configured to associate with the provider of the AP 104a or 104b need
only request access using the first 24-characters. The STA can copy the sequence of
bits from the first identifier. In some implementations, the sequence of bits can
be derived from the first identifier. For example, a hash function can be applied
to generate the sequence of bits from the first identifier.
[0163] Then, at block 906, the AP 104 transmits an access response message to the STA 106,
which includes the first identifier. For example, the AP 104 can transmit a probe
response 215 and/or an association response 240 to the STA 106. In some implementations,
the access response message can include the full SSID for the AP 104 that is ready
for association with the requesting STA 106. For example, with respect to FIG. 1,
a STA 106 can transmit an access request message (e.g., a probe request 210), including
only the first 24-characters of an SSID. In an implementation where the APs 104a and
104b are associated with the same provider, both can receive the message and transmit
an access request response (e.g., a probe response 215).
[0164] In an implementation where AP 104a is associated with a different provider than AP
104b, each can be assigned a different initial 24-character SSID. If the AP 104a or
104b receives an access request message including a matching 24-character SSID, it
can transmit a response. If the AP 104a or 104b receives an access request signal
including a different 24-character SSID than is assigned to the AP, the AP 104a or
104b can ignore the access request message. Accordingly, the AP 104a-104b can reduce
contention for message processing and transmission resources by identifying access
request messages that are not intended for the AP 104a-104b. Moreover, the STAs 106
can transmit fewer bits thereby speeding up the transmission, processing time at the
APs 104a-104b, and ultimately link setup time.
[0165] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 9 can be implemented in another exemplary
wireless device that can include an assigning circuit, a receiving circuit, and a
transmitting circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless device
may have more components than the simplified wireless device described herein. The
wireless device described herein includes only those components useful for describing
some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the claims.
[0166] The assigning circuit can be configured to store a first identifier for the wireless
device, the first identifier for establishing a link with the device and having a
first number of bits. The assigning circuit can include a storage (e.g., memory, SIM
card). The assigning circuit can include a transceiver. In some implementations, means
for assigning include the assigning circuit.
[0167] In some implementations the receiving circuit can be configured to receive from a
device an access request message to establish the link, the access request message
including a second identifier associated with a plurality of devices configured to
provide the link, the plurality of devices including the apparatus, the second identifier
including a sequence of bits having a bit length, wherein the sequence of bits is
based on the first identifier, and wherein the bit length of the sequence of bits
is less than the first number of bits. The receiving circuit can include one or more
of the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the receiver 712 (FIG. 7), and the processor 704 (FIG.
7). In some implementations, means for receiving include receiving circuit.
[0168] In one implementation, the transmitting circuit can be configured to transmit an
access response message establishing the link with the apparatus and including the
first identifier. In some implementations, the transmitting circuit can be further
configured to transmit a signal including an identifier including fewer bits than
a full identifier for the AP as described above in reference to FIG 9. For example,
the signal can be a management frame, such as an action frame, including one or more
fields. The fields can be of variable length (e.g., octets). For example, one signal
can include an action frame including a 1 octet category field, a 1 octet action field,
a 16 octet identifier field, and a 4 octet authentication challenge value (e.g., anonce)
field. In another implementation, the identifier field can be an 8, 4, 9, or 20 octet
field. Similar variation can be included for the other fields without departing from
the scope of the disclosure. An example action management frame is shown in FIG. 4
and described in further detail below. The transmitting circuit can include the antenna
716 (FIG. 7), the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7), and the processor 704 (FIG. 7). In some
implementations, means for transmitting include the transmitting circuit.
[0169] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication
that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated
method can reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein,
such as the wireless device 702 shown in FIG. 7. Although the illustrated method is
described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1, the communication exchange 200 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, and the wireless device 702 discussed above with respect to FIG.
7, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated
method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable
device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular
order, in various embodiments, blocks herein may be performed in a different order,
or omitted, and additional blocks may be added.
[0170] First, at block 1002, a first identifier is assigned to the AP 104. The first identifier
is assigned for establishing a link with the AP 104 and includes a first number of
bits. The identifier has a particular number of bits. In the case where the method
is implemented in a STA 106, the identifier assigned can be an SSID or BSSID corresponding
to the service provider of the STA 106. The first identifier number of bits being
less than a typical identifier for the wireless communication system. In some implementations,
the first identifier can be associated with multiple access points.
[0171] Next, at block 1004, the STA 106 transmits an access request signal including the
first identifier to one or more APs 104a-104b configured to provide the wireless link.
As shown above in Table 1, if a STA 106 is associated with the provider of APs 104a
and 104b, the STA 106 can transmit only the first 24-characters of the SSID.
[0172] Then, at block 1006, the STA 106 receives an access response message from one of
the one or more APs 104a-104b, establishing the link and including a second identifier
associated with the AP. The second identifier can include the first identifier combined
with an additional identifier. The access response message can include one or more
parameters that can be used to setup a link. For example, the access response message
can be a probe response 215 including the full SSID of an AP 104 that is capable of
providing service to the requesting STA 106.
[0173] In some implementations, the STA 106 can receive multiple access response messages.
For example, with respect to FIG. 1, each of the APs 104a and 104b can receive the
access request message including the first 24-characters of a common SSID. Both the
APs 104a and 104b can transmit an access response message. The STA 106 can then select
which AP will service the STA 106 most appropriately, based on the information contained
in the access response message. For example, the AP 104a may operate at a faster data
rate than the AP 104b. In some implementations, the association can be performed by
one or more backhaul exchange messages. Accordingly, the method can include associating
the STA 106 with one of multiple APs responding to the initial access request message.
In some implementations, the combination of the first and additional identifier can
include concatenating, appending, and/or interleaving the identifiers.
[0174] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 10 can be implemented in another exemplary
wireless device that can include an assigning circuit, a transmitting circuit, and
a receiving circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless device
may have more components than the simplified wireless device described herein. The
wireless device described herein includes only those components useful for describing
some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the claims.
[0175] In one implementation, the assigning circuit can be configured to store a first identifier,
the first identifier for establishing a link with the wireless communication system
and having a first number of bits. The assigning circuit can include a storage (e.g.,
memory, SIM card). The assigning circuit can include a transceiver. In some implementations,
means for assigning include the assigning circuit. In one implementation, the transmitting
circuit can be configured to transmit an access request message to one or more entities
configured to provide the link, the access request message including the first identifier.
The transmitting circuit can include the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the transmitter 710
(FIG. 7), and the processor 704 (FIG. 7). In some implementations, means for transmitting
include the transmitting circuit. In some implementations the receiving circuit can
be configured to receive from one of the one or more entities an access response message
establishing the link and including a second identifier associated with the entity,
the second identifier including the first identifier combined with an additional identifier.
The receiving circuit can include one or more of the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the receiver
712 (FIG. 7), and the processor 704 (FIG. 7). In some implementations, means for receiving
include the receiving circuit.
[0176] In some implementations, a shortened identifier assigned to devices can include a
"virtual identifier." In some embodiments, a STA 106 can probe multiple APs 104a-104b
before selecting an AP with which to associate. As each AP 104a-104b can have a different
unique identifier, the communication network 100 can experience additional signaling
when the STA 106 associates with an unknown AP.
[0177] For example, with respect to FIG. 1, a passenger STA 106 can be in range of, but
not connected to, either the AP 104a or the AP 104b. In some embodiments, the STA
106 would specify a particular target AP in an association request 235. However, in
an embodiment including virtual identifiers, the STA 106 can specify a virtual identifier,
which can be common amongst many APs. Using this "shorthand" the STA 106 can request
service from any APs associated with the virtual identifier. For example, the STA
106 can establish a link with the AP 104b by transmitting the virtual identifier or
the actual identifier of the AP 104b. Determining the actual identifier for the AP
104b can require additional signaling, and can therefore delay link establishment.
Instead, the STA 106 can specify a virtual identifier to establish the link.
[0178] Assignment the virtual identifier can be performed in a similar fashion as described
above in reference to FIG. 10. The virtual identifier can be a virtual MAC identifier.
A virtual identifier can be a SSID or can be mapped to a specific SSID. In some implementations,
the virtual identifier represents a BSS. The virtual identifier can be common for
all devices associated with a wireless communication system. For example, all APs
for a given provider can be assigned the same virtual identifier.
[0179] In one embodiment, the AP 104 can transmit a packet to the STAs 106. The packet can
include the virtual identifier corresponding to the AP 104. For example, the packet
can include the virtual identifier in the header field of the packet. In some embodiments,
a BSSID can be specified in a header, such as a control header, of each packet. A
virtual identifier can include fewer bits than a BSSID. Accordingly, a smaller packet
can be transmitted. Smaller packets can be transmitted and processed more quickly
thereby reducing the time to process the packet. Furthermore, if the virtual identifier
is transmitted in a control header field of each packet, this information is made
available to STAs 106 that are attempting to establish a link with the transmitting
AP 104. In addition to including a virtual identifier in a header field, an authentication
challenge value (e.g., anonce) can also be included in a header field, such as a control
header. This additional information can be used in conjunction with the virtual identifier
to setup a link with the AP 104.
[0180] At the STAs 106, a virtual identifier can be assigned as described above. The virtual
identifier can be a SSID. The virtual identifier assigned can be a homogeneous extended
SSID. When the STA 106 receives a packet including the virtual identifier, it can
determine an address associated with the virtual identifier. In some implementations,
the STAs 106 can receive the virtual identifier by passively scanning for the packets.
The packet received can be transmitted by an AP 104 and received by a STA 106. The
packet received can be an uplink packet or a downlink packet. For example, the STA
106 can use a to-DS/from-DS indication in a control header to determine if the packet
is an uplink or a downlink packet. The packet can be a packet addressed to the STA
106 or a packet addressed for another device.
[0181] The STA 106 can determine a physical address based on the virtual identifier by extracting
the virtual identifier from the packet. In some implementations, STA 106 can determine
the address by performing a look up of a permanent address based on the virtual identifier.
For example, the STA 106 can include the memory 706 (FIG. 7) which can contain a table
of information. The table of information can include a mapping of virtual identifiers
to physical addresses. Additional information, such as location data, can also be
used to perform the look up of an address associated with the virtual identifier.
Backhaul message exchanges can also be used to determine the address associated with
the virtual identifier.
[0182] Once the address is determined, the STA 106 can transmit an association request 230
addressed to the AP 104 at the determined physical address. In some implementations,
the association request 230 can include CSMA signaling. The STA 106 can transmit the
association request 230 to the determined address by including the determined address
in a packet header. The AP 104 can respond to the association request 230 with an
association response 240.
[0183] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart for another method of wireless communication. The illustrated
method can reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein,
such as the wireless device 702 shown in FIG. 7. Although the illustrated method is
described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1, the communication exchange 200 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, and the wireless device 702 discussed above with respect to FIG.
7, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated
method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable
device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular
order, in various embodiments, blocks herein may be performed in a different order,
or omitted, and additional blocks may be added.
[0184] First, at block 1102, the AP 104 receives at least two different access request messages,
each for establishing a link with the device. In one implementation, the AP 104 receives
the access request messages wirelessly, for example, via the antenna 716 (FIG. 7)
coupled with the receiver 712 (FIG. 7). In various embodiments, the AP 104 can distinguish
the access request messages by the source of the message, by the type of access requested,
or other values included in the access request message. The AP 104 can reply to each
access request message with a corresponding access response message transmission.
[0185] For example, with reference to FIG. 2, the AP 104 can receive access request messages
(e.g., probe requests 210) transmitted from STAs 106. The AP 104 can be configured
to transmit access response messages (e.g., probe responses 215) during specified
transmit windows 250. In some implementations, the transmit window 250 can allow only
one access response message to be transmitted. Accordingly, the AP 104 can delay sending
access response messages as the AP 104 waits for each window 250. In some implementations,
the AP 104 can also be configured to request a contention free period (e.g., clear
to send) before transmitting the access response message. While this can reduce signal
collisions at the AP 104, this process can introduce delay for processing other messages
(e.g., other access request messages).
[0186] Next, at block 1104, the AP 104 determines a period of time for transmitting access
response messages in response to the received access request messages. The determination
can be a calculation based on the number of pending access request messages and/or
an average transmission time for the AP 104. The determination can also consider transmission
rates, transmission power, date, time of day, proximity to other APs, or other factors
that influence the speed and/or reliability of a transmission. The determination can
be performed by the processor 704 (FIG. 7) and/or the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7). The
determination can be dynamically triggered. For example, during low volume periods,
the resource cost of determining a window can exceed any benefit gained from batch
transmission. Accordingly, the AP 104 can implement in a non-windowed transmission
scheme.
[0187] One example determination includes identifying a number of received access request
messages. The determination can also include identifying a number of pending access
response messages. At one end of a spectrum, there may be no pending responses for
the number of received access request messages. In such a scenario, the AP 104 has
not yet processed the access requests. At the other end of the spectrum, the number
of pending responses can equal the number of received requests. In such a scenario,
all received requests have a pending response. Thus, the period of time can be generated
based on the identified number of received access request messages and pending access
responses. For example, if the generated period of time is greater than a maximum
period of time, the period of time can be identified as the maximum period of time.
This can be desirable in implementations where a transmitting device would like to
contain the batch to an upper limit.
[0188] The number of pending responses can be used to calculate the period. For example,
the number of pending responses can be multiplied by an average transmit time to determine
the period for sending the responses. The average can be a static value (e.g., stored
in the memory 706 (FIG. 7)). The average can be determined based on transmissions
from the device (e.g., calculated over time based on transmissions from the device).
In such implementations, the determined period of time can be tailored to the specific
operational characteristics of the device.
[0189] Then, at block 1106, the AP 104 reserves the period of transmission time on a channel
for transmitting the access response messages for establishing the link. The reservation
is based at least in part on the determined period. This period of time represents
the period of transmission time that can be used to transmit pending access response
messages, in a single transmit opportunity. The reservation can be achieved by transmitting
a clear to send message. The reservation can be achieved by setting a value coupled
with the processor to control signaling for the device.
[0190] Subsequently, at block 1108, the AP 104 transmits the access response messages are
transmitted during the reserved period of time. The AP 104 can transmit the access
response messages wirelessly. The AP 104 can include the access response messages
in a probe response 215. In some implementations, the transmitting can be configured
to include an interframe space between each access response message. The interframe
space can be configured to be as short as possible such that each access response
message is discrete, but unnecessary delay in transmission is avoided. The interframe
space can be, for example, 16 microseconds or less (e.g., 12 microseconds, 11 microseconds,
5 microseconds, or 2 microseconds). In some implementations, the transmitted access
response message can include multiple access responses and be broadcast to multiple
devices.
[0191] In some implementations, transmitting can include waiting for an acknowledgment of
a first access response message prior to transmitting a subsequent access response
message. Failover and retry transmission methods can be incorporated without departing
from the scope of the present disclosure. The access response message can include
parameters that a receiving device can use to establish a link with the transmitting
device. The transmitting can also incorporate one or more of the methods described
herein to further expedite initial link setup.
[0192] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 11 can be implemented in another exemplary
wireless communication device that can include a receiving circuit, a determining
circuit, a reserving circuit, and a transmitting circuit. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that a wireless device may have more components than the simplified
wireless device described herein. The wireless device described herein includes only
those components useful for describing some prominent features of implementations
within the scope of the claims.
[0193] The receiving circuit can be configured to receive at least two different access
request messages each for establishing a link with the wireless communication device.
The receiving circuit can include one or more of the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the receiver
712 (FIG. 7), and the DSP 720 (FIG. 7). In some implementations, means for receiving
can include the receiving circuit.
[0194] The determining circuit can be configured to determine a period of time for transmitting
access response messages in response to the received access request messages. The
determining circuit can include one or more of the memory 706 (FIG. 7), the processor
704 (FIG. 7), and a switch. Means for determining, in some implementations, can include
the determining circuit.
[0195] The reserving circuit can be configured to reserve a period of transmission time
on a channel for transmitting the access response messages for establishing the link,
the reservation based at least in part on the determined period of time. The reserving
circuit can include one or more of the memory 706 (FIG. 7), the processor 704 (FIG.
7), the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7), and the DSP 720 (FIG. 7). Means for reserving, in
some implementation, can include the reserving circuit.
[0196] The transmitting circuit can be configured to transmit the access response messages
during the reserved period of time. The transmitting circuit can include one or more
of the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7), the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), a frequency generator,
an amplifier, the processor 704 (FIG. 7), and a power source. Means for transmitting,
in some implementations, can include the transmitting circuit.
[0197] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication
that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated
method can reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the STAs 106 described herein,
such as the wireless device 702 shown in FIG. 7. Although the illustrated method is
described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1, the communication exchange 200 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, and the wireless device 702 discussed above with respect to FIG.
7, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated
method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable
device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular
order, in various embodiments, blocks herein may be performed in a different order,
or omitted, and additional blocks may be added.
[0198] First, at block 1202, a terminal receives a message including information for establishing
a link with an access point. For example, a STA 106 can receive a beacon 205 from
the AP 104. In some implementations, the received message can be a probe response
215. The receiving can include additional message processing to identify the content
of the received message.
[0199] For example, with reference to FIG. 1, as the train 120 arrives, the STAs 106 can
receive the beacon 205 from AP 104a. Each STA 106 can determine that AP 104a is suitable
and can immediately respond to the beacon 205 with association request messages 230.
This can cause a surge in traffic for AP 104a. The traffic surge can cause collisions
thereby delaying initial link setup.
[0200] Next, at block 1204, the STAs 106 identify a time slot and a back-off amount within
the identified time slot. The identification can be based on a value included in the
received message. For example, the value in the received message can indicate the
time slot and/or back-off amount. In some implementations, the value can be used to
generate time slot and/or back-off amount. For example, the value can be a random
seed value which can be used to generate a random time slot and/or back-off amount.
[0201] By identifying a time slot to transmit, all STAs 106 select one time slot for transmission.
This can spread the transmissions over multiple time slots, but where the number of
STAs 106 is greater than the number of available time slots, controlling when each
STA 106 assigned to the same time slot transmits can improve efficiency. For example,
consider the implementation where a first and a second STA 106 are assigned a time
slot. Without a back-off within the time slot, as soon as the time slot arrives, multiple
STAs 106 may attempt a transmission. Simultaneous transmissions can introduce additional
processing requirements at the AP 104. Consider, then, the case where the first STA
106 has no back-off and the second STA 106 has a 2 millisecond back-off. In this case,
the AP 104 will receive the first transmission and then 2 milliseconds later receive
the second transmission. This delay can be sufficient to avoid collision of the two
requests thereby reducing the amount of time to process each transmission.
[0202] In some implementations, the value can indicate a window of time during which access
request messages will be received by the AP 104. This allows the AP 104a to devote
resources to other processing, such as processing data for previously attached STAs
106, during a controlled period of time. This also allows the AP 104a to focus resources
on access requests during the specified period of time.
[0203] Then, at block 1206, the STAs 106 abstain from sensing the medium for a period of
time based on the identified time slot and the identified back-off amount. For example,
with reference to FIG. 2, STAs 106 do not immediately transmit association requests
230. Instead, each STA 106 selects a random interval to wait before transmitting delayed
association requests 235. Accordingly, signaling between the STAs 106 and the AP 104
can be can spread over time, thereby reducing the load on the AP 104 and the communication
network.
[0204] In some embodiments, the random interval can be selected from a range of intervals
that provide an efficiency gain. For example, if the interval exceeds the wait time
expected if all STAs 106 sensed the medium simultaneously, the benefit may be limited.
The STAs 106 can select the random interval based on information included in the received
signal. For instance, the AP 104 can specify a maximum value in a field of the signal.
The STAs 106 can be configured to extract this value and use it in selection. Selection
can include choosing a value between zero and the specified maximum value.
[0205] Subsequently, at block 1208, the STA 106 transmits an association request message
235 during the identified time slot after expiration of the back-off amount. In an
embodiment, the STA 106 can use carrier sense multiple access (CSMA).
[0206] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 12 can be implemented in another wireless
communication device that can include a receiving circuit, a selecting circuit, and
an association circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless device
may have more components than the simplified wireless device described herein. The
wireless device described herein includes only those components useful for describing
some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the claims.
[0207] In some implementations, the receiving circuit can be configured to receive a message
including information for establishing a link with the wireless communication system
from a device configured to provide the link. The receiving circuit can include one
or more of the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the receiver 712 (FIG. 7), and the DSP 720 (FIG.
7). In some wireless communication STAs 106, means for receiving can include the receiving
circuit.
[0208] The selecting circuit can be configured to identify a time slot and a back-off amount
within the identified time slot based on a value included in the received message.
The selecting circuit can include one or more of the processor 704 (FIG. 7) and the
memory 706 (FIG. 7). In some implementations, means for selecting can include the
selecting circuit.
[0209] The association circuit can be configured to abstain from sensing a medium for the
device based on the identified time slot and the identified back-off amount. The association
circuit can be configured to transmit an association request message to establish
the link with the device during the identified time slot after expiration of the back-off
amount. The association circuit can include the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the transmitter
710 (FIG. 7), a timer, and the processor 704 (FIG. 7). Some wireless communication
STAs 106 can include means for establishing the link which can include the association
circuit.
[0210] FIG. 13 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication
that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated
method can reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein,
such as the wireless device 702 shown in FIG. 7. Although the illustrated method is
described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1, the communication exchange 200 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, and the wireless device 702 discussed above with respect to FIG.
7, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated
method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable
device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular
order, in various embodiments, blocks herein may be performed in a different order,
or omitted, and additional blocks may be added.
[0211] First, at block 1302, the AP 104 generates a value identifying a time period during
which the STAs 106 should transmit association requests 235. The value can include
a random seed value which the STAs 106 can use to identify a time slot and back-off
amount within the identified time slot, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 12.
The value can identify a contention window for receiving association requests 235
at the device. The contention window can be an absolute window wherein association
requests 230 can be received. The contention window can be a relative window during
which the association requests can be received. In one implementation, the AP 104
determines the contention window for accepting association requests 235. Accordingly,
the AP 104 can devote resources to other processing, such as processing data for attached
devices, during a controlled period of time. In some implementations, the AP 104 can
ignore association requests 230 received outside the identified time.
[0212] The identification of the time period can be based on a variety of factors. In some
implementations, where the value includes a random seed value, the value can be generated
based on, for example, an identifier associated with the AP 104 (e.g., a MAC identifier,
SSID, IP address, equipment identifier, etc.).
[0213] In implementations where the value identifies a contention window, the AP 104 can
determine the contention window based on existing or predicted factors. The factors
that can be considered include one or more of the size of the network, the number
of devices accessing the network or AP, the load of the network or AP, a particular
service level associated with the STA 106, and the like. The prediction can be based
on the time of day. For example, more STAs 106 may travel through the BSA 107a during
a commuting rush hour than during the middle of the night. Accordingly, the AP 104
can dynamically adjust the contention window. Predicted factors can be based on historical
values for the network or for a specific AP. For example, the factors can be stored
in the memory 706 (FIG. 7) and the processor 704 (FIG. 7) can calculate a contention
window based on the stored factor values (e.g., regression, derivation, average, mean,
moving average).
[0214] Next, at block 1304, the AP 104 transmits a message including the generated value
to the STAs 106. The message can include the probe response 215. The message can include
the beacon 205. The value can be encoded in a header of the message. The value can
be encoded in the body of the message. The transmission can include a wireless transmission
of the message to a specific STA 106 or a wireless broadcast of the message. In some
implementations, transmitting the message can include setting or starting a timer
to identify the period of time. The timer can be used to identify another period of
time until the start of the identified period of time. In some implementations, the
timer can be used to directly identify the period of time.
[0215] Then, at block 1306, the AP 104 receives an association request 235 from a STA 106,
during the identified time period. As discussed above, the AP 104 can ignore association
requests 235 received outside the contention window. In some implementations, the
AP 104 can accept association requests 235 received outside the contention window,
but with lower priority than other messages. Accordingly, when the AP 104a has available
resources, it can process the association request 235. In some implementations, the
AP 104a can transmit a message indicating the association request 235 was transmitted
outside the identified time period.
[0216] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 13 can be implemented in another exemplary
wireless communication device that can include a determining circuit, a transmitting
circuit, and a receiving circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a
wireless device may have more components than the simplified wireless device described
herein. The wireless device described herein includes only those components useful
for describing some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the
claims.
[0217] The determining circuit can be configured to generate a value identifying a time
period for STAs 106 to transmitting association requests to establish a link with
the wireless communication system via the wireless communication device. The determining
circuit can include one or more of the processor 704 (FIG. 7) and the memory 706 (FIG.
7). In some implementations, means for determining can include the determining circuit.
[0218] The transmitting circuit configured to transmit a message including the value to
the STAs 106. The transmitting circuit can include one or more of the antenna 716
(FIG. 7), the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7), a timer, and the processor 704 (FIG. 7). In
some implementations, means for transmitting can include the transmitting circuit.
[0219] The receiving circuit can be configured to receive, during the identified time period,
an association request 235 for establishing the link from a STA 106 to establish the
link with the STA 106. The receiving circuit can include one or more of the antenna
716 (FIG. 7), the receiver 712 (FIG. 7), and the DSP 720 (FIG. 7). Means for receiving,
in some implementations, can include the receiving circuit.
[0220] FIG. 14 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication
that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated
method can reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein,
such as the wireless device 702 shown in FIG. 7. Although the illustrated method is
described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1, the communication exchange 200 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, and the wireless device 702 discussed above with respect to FIG.
7, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated
method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable
device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular
order, in various embodiments, blocks herein may be performed in a different order,
or omitted, and additional blocks may be added.
[0221] As discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, a STA 106 can transmit an access request
such as, for example, a probe request 210 or an association request 230. As part of
the process of transmitting the access request, the STA 106 can first generate the
message. In some implementations, the STA 106 does not immediately transmit the message.
Instead, the STA 106 can queue the message for transmission, for example in the memory
706 (FIG. 7) or a transmit buffer. While the message is in the queue, the STA 106
may receive a message including the information expected in response to the queued
message, for example, a probe response 215 sent to another STA 106 or a beacon 205.
In this case, the STA 106 can achieve faster link setup by using the detected message
rather than transmitting an access request message, waiting for a response, and then
beginning association procedures.
[0222] Conversely, the AP 104 can generate and queue a response to a probe request 210 or
access network query protocol request from the STA 106. While the response is queued,
the STA 106 may passively identify the information for associating with an AP 104.
For example, the STA 106 can passively scan beacons 206, probe responses 215 sent
to other STAs 106, and the like. In some cases, the STA may transmit an association
request 230 to the AP 104 while the probe response 215 or the access network query
protocol response is still in the queue. Accordingly, the AP 104 can remove the response
from the queue. By removing this response from the queue, the AP 104 can reduce unneeded
response transmissions.
[0223] First, at block 1402, the STA 106 queues a message for requesting information to
establish a link with the AP 104. The message includes a network identifier for the
second device. The message can be, for example, a probe request 210 or an access network
query protocol request when the method is implemented in the STA 106. When the method
is implemented in the AP 106, the message can be, for example, a probe response 215
or an access network query protocol response. The message can include a network identifier
(e.g., SSID, BSSID, virtual ID, network domain ID) of the second device which the
first device is trying to establish a link with. A network domain ID can be an identifier
that indicates a network domain that an access point belongs. The AP 104 can belong
to multiple network domains. The STA 106 can specify the network domain ID associated
with APs that it would like to associate. Thus, the network identifier can be used
to identify a specific AP (e.g., SSID) or a generic class APs (e.g., virtual ID, network
domain ID) for association.
[0224] Next, at block 1404, another message including the requested information is received
before transmission of the message. The message received can be passively detected.
Transmission of the message can have been caused by an access request message transmitted
from a different device. The message can be addressed to the STA 106 or addressed
to another device. The network identifier in the received message can be the same
as the network identifier of the queued message. The network identifier can be extracted
from the received message and stored in the memory 706 (FIG. 7) for further processing
as described herein.
[0225] Then, at block 1406, the message is removed from the queue based on the received
message. For example, the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7) can include a check circuit that
obtains the network identifier from the received message from the memory 706 (FIG.
7). The check circuit can alter the transmission of the access message by, for example,
removing the access request message from the transmission queue. In some implementations,
the check circuit performs the check as each message is about to be transmitted. In
some implementations, the check circuit can perform a continuous check of all items
in the queue. By avoiding the transmission of the message, the implementing device
can expedite the setup of an initial link. Furthermore, avoiding transmission reduces
the number of messages transmitted to the AP 104. As discussed above, this helps reduce
the load on the AP 104 thereby providing some additional enhancements to the initial
link setup process as well as corresponding reductions in resource (e.g., power, processing,
bandwidth, memory) utilization.
[0226] As a further example, with respect to the FIG. 1, the STAs 106a and 106b can be configured
to send a probe request 210 or an access network query protocol request as a broadcast
message. The broadcast message can be received at many APs, such as the APs 104a-104b.
All the APs that receive the broadcast message can respond by sending individual probe
responses 215 or access network query protocol responses. All APs responding can cause
network congestion. To avoid network congestion, when the STA 106a prepares a request,
it can queue the request message. While the STA 106a is waiting to transmit the request,
the STA 106b can receive a probe response 215, access network query protocol response,
or beacon 205 frame transmitted from the AP 104a. The STA 106a can passively detect
the message sent to the STA 106b. If the information in the message is sufficient
to permit association with the AP 104a, the STA 106a can be configured to cancel the
pending request and thus save the air medium from extraneous transmission, power that
can be utilized to effect the transmission, and processing time associated with the
transmission.
[0227] As another example, with respect to FIG. 1, the APs 104a and 104b can queue responses
(e.g., probe response 215 or access network query protocol response) to a request
(e.g., probe request 210 or access network query protocol request) sent by the STA
106a. The AP 104a may transmit the response, which the STA 106a can receive. The STA
106a can transmit an association request 230 to the AP 104a. At this stage, the queued
responses at the other AP 104b may not be useful to the STA 106a, because the STA
106a has already associated with the AP 104a. To prevent the other APs 104b from unnecessarily
transmitting the queued response, and thus loading the wireless network, the AP 104b
can be configured to passively listen to access request messages from STAs 106. When
the AP 104b detects that the queued response is no longer relevant, it can cancel
transmission.
[0228] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 14 can be implemented in another exemplary
wireless communication device that can include a queuing circuit, a receiving circuit,
and a removing circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless device
may have more components than the simplified wireless device described herein. The
wireless device described herein includes only those components useful for describing
some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the claims.
[0229] The queuing circuit can be configured to queue a message for requesting information
to establish a link with a second device for transmission, the message including a
network identifier for the second device. The queuing circuit can include one or more
of the memory 706 (FIG. 7), the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7), and the DSP 720 (FIG. 7).
Means for queuing, in some implementations, can include the queuing circuit.
[0230] The receiving circuit can be configured to receive, before transmission of the message,
another message including the requested information. The receiving circuit can include
one or more of the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the receiver 712 (FIG. 7), the memory 706
(FIG. 7), and the DSP 720 (FIG. 7). In some implementations, means for receiving include
the receiving circuit.
[0231] The removing circuit can be configured to remove the message from the queue based
on the received message. The removing circuit can include one or more of a checking
circuit, the processor 704 (FIG. 7), the memory 706 (FIG. 7), and the transmitter
710 (FIG. 7). In some implementations, means for removing can include the removing
circuit.
[0232] FIG. 15 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication
that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated
method can reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein,
such as the wireless device 702 shown in FIG. 7. Although the illustrated method is
described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1, the communication exchange 200 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, and the wireless device 702 discussed above with respect to FIG.
7, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated
method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable
device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular
order, in various embodiments, blocks herein may be performed in a different order,
or omitted, and additional blocks may be added.
[0233] In various embodiments, the AP 104 can provide one or more channels for communication
with STAs 106. In some implementations, each channel corresponds to a different frequency.
As each channel can experience a different signal load, some channels can be busier
than other channels. Accordingly, balancing the load on each channel can increase
processing speed, for example by diverting traffic to under-utilized (e.g., lower
load) channels.
[0234] First, at block 1502, the AP 104 provides a network service configured to communicate
via a plurality of channels. Next, at block 1504, the AP 104 determines a characteristic
of the network service, including a load value for each of the plurality of channels.
The load value can be based on one or more of: the number of connections for the channel,
the activity via the channel (e.g., chatty signaling, long downloads, streaming data),
and the like.
[0235] In an embodiment, the AP 104 can evaluate the characteristic at intervals, such as
every 30 milliseconds. A timer can be included to establish the interval for load
determination. The AP 104 can store the determined load values in the memory 706 (FIG.
7). In some embodiments, the AP 104 can identify an absolute load value for each channel.
In some embodiments, the AP 104 can identify an average load value for each channel.
[0236] Then, at block 1504, the AP 104 transmits an identifier of the characteristic of
the network service for obtaining the network service in the wireless communication
system. The identifier can be included in a beacon 205. In some implementations, the
identifier can be included in a header field of a message. In some implementations,
the identifier can be included in the body of a message.
[0237] In an embodiment, the AP 104 can transmit a second value indicating that no further
associations with the network service are being accepted. The second value can indicate
association availability on a per channel basis or for the entire network service.
The second value can be a single bit. In some implementations, the second value can
include multiple bits. The transmitting can include receiving information from the
processor 704 (FIG. 7) performing the determining. The transmitting can include encoding
the information. The transmitting can further include wirelessly transmitting the
information via the antenna 716 (FIG. 7) associated with the transmitter 710 (FIG.
7).
[0238] In some implementations, the AP 104 can transmit other information to facilitate
selection of an AP by the STAs 106. The additional information can be sent in conjunction
with the above described load information or in place of the load information. One
example of the additional information is an identifier of one or more other APs. With
reference to FIG. 1, the APs 104a and 104b can be operated by the same service provider.
In an embodiment, the AP 104a can transmit an identifier, such as a basic service
set identifier or MAC address, of AP 104b. The most recent authentication challenge
value associated with the AP 104a or the AP 104b can also be transmitted. The AP 104a
can communicate with AP 104b via a backhaul to exchange identifiers, authentication
challenge values (e.g., anonce), and other information. A receiving STA 106 can associate
with a selected AP from the set of identified APs.
[0239] As described thus far, the characteristic information regarding network services
provided by a transmitting device are provided. However, in some implementations,
it can be desirable to provide characteristic information for another service.
[0240] Referring again to FIG. 1, a first AP 104a can have a nearby or neighboring AP 104b.
The APs 104a and 104b can be known to each other, for example via a predetermined
configuration provided by the network operator. The configuration can be provided
at manufacture time or install time. The configuration can be stored in the memory
706 (FIG. 7) associated with the APs 104a-104b. The APs 104a and 104b can also discover
each other through wireless communication. For example, in some implementations, it
can be desirable for a STA 106 attempting to access AP 104a to also know of other,
nearby APs. The STA 106 can determine which AP to associate with. For example, if
the AP 104a is under a heavy load, the STA 106 can be configured to access a different
AP nearby, such as the AP 104b. Accordingly, the STA 106 has more control over which
AP to access and can avoid delays that can be incurred by associating with a heavily
loaded AP, preferring, instead, to associate with a less busy neighboring AP. In this
way, the time to associate with an AP can be reduced.
[0241] The method can include obtaining another characteristic of another network service.
As discussed above, the identity of the network service can be configured at the AP
104a and/or the AP 104b (e.g., a static configuration value). The AP 104a and/or the
AP 104b can also use signaling to both identify the other network service and characteristics
of the network service. Characteristics can include network identifier, network domain
identifier, channels provided by the network and load for the channels provided. The
identification can include backhaul message exchange between the network, the network
operator's systems, and the neighboring network. The identification can be performed
according to a schedule (e.g., every minute, every hour, everyday). The identification
can be performed through a notification from the neighboring network (e.g., push or
subscription notification).
[0242] The method can also include transmitting the neighboring network characteristic.
In some implementations, more than one characteristic can be transmitted. For example,
the identifier, channel and channel load can be transmitted as associated data elements.
In some implementations, an information element of a beacon 205 can be used to transmit
the characteristic information. An information element in a probe response 215 can
also be used to transmit the characteristic information. An exemplary neighbor network
element is shown and described in further detail below in reference to FIG. 6. As
described above, the AP 104a and/or the AP 104b can also transmit information regarding
channels provided by the AP 104a and/or the AP 104b and the associated load values.
In some implementations, characteristics for more than one neighboring network can
be transmitted. Where characteristics for multiple neighboring network services are
transmitted, the message including the identifier can include a value indicating the
number of neighbors included in the message.
[0243] As an example, the transmission can include a neighbor network element. The neighbor
network element can include the information about other networks in the vicinity of
the AP transmitting the message. The neighbor network element can be included in a
beacon 205 or probe response 215 to enable STAs to determine if another AP should
be considered. The neighbor network element can include one or more of the following
fields: BSSID carrying the BSSID of the neighboring network; channel carrying the
operating channel of neighboring network; loading carrying the load factor for the
operating channel; SSID carrying the SSID of the neighboring network; number of network
IDs carrying the number of network domain IDs the neighboring network belongs to;
and network ID carrying the network ID and/or network domain identifier of the neighboring
network. More than one instance of each field listed above can be included in the
message to allow multiple channels and multiple neighbors to be identified.
[0244] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 15 can be implemented in another exemplary
wireless communication device that can include a providing circuit, a determining
circuit, and a transmitting circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
a wireless device may have more components than the simplified wireless device described
herein. The wireless device described herein includes only those components useful
for describing some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the
claims.
[0245] The providing circuit can be configured to provide a network service configured to
communicate via a plurality of channels. The providing circuit can include one or
more of the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the DSP 720 (FIG. 7), and a transceiver. In some
implementations, means for providing can include the providing circuit.
[0246] The determining circuit can be configured to determine a characteristic of the network
service including a load value for each of the plurality of channels. The determining
circuit can include one or more of the memory 706 (FIG. 7), the processor 704 (FIG.
7), and a timer. Means for determining can, in some implementations, include the determining
circuit.
[0247] Some wireless communication devices can include the transmitting circuit which is
configured to transmit an identifier of the characteristic of the network service
for obtaining the network service in the wireless communication system. The transmitting
circuit can include one or more of the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the transmitter 710 (FIG.
7), and the processor 704 (FIG. 7). Means for transmitting can include the transmitting
circuit.
[0248] FIG. 16 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication
that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated
method can reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein,
such as the wireless device 702 shown in FIG. 7. Although the illustrated method is
described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1, the communication exchange 200 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, and the wireless device 702 discussed above with respect to FIG.
7, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated
method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable
device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular
order, in various embodiments, blocks herein may be performed in a different order,
or omitted, and additional blocks may be added.
[0249] First, at block 1602, a STA 106 receives an identifier of a characteristic for each
of one or more network services for obtaining the network service in the wireless
communication system. The identifier can be transmitted by the AP 104, as discussed
above with respect to FIG. 15. The STA 106 can extract one or more load values from
the received identifier. The STA 106 can store the extracted load value(s) and the
associated channel in the memory 706 (FIG. 7). The identifier can be received via
a beacon 205.
[0250] Next, at block 1604, the STA 106 selects a network service of the one or more network
services for association based on the received characteristics. The STA 106 can choose
the network service (e.g., channel) with the lowest load value. The STA 106 can choose
a network service based on a combination of the load value and the frequency of the
associated network service. For example, certain applications can perform better under
certain conditions. Accordingly, the STA 106 can refuse network services that may
not provide adequate bandwidth for the application requesting network access and can
select from the remaining network services based on the load values. If the identifier
indicates that a given channel is not accepting new associations, the STA 106 can
exclude that channel from consideration. If the received characteristic includes an
indicator that an AP is not accepting new associations, the STA 106 can initiate a
new discovery sequence. For example, the STA 106 can receive a different beacon 205.
In some implementations, the selected network service is stored in the memory 706
(FIG. 7).
[0251] Then, at block 1606, the STA 106 transmits a message to associate with the selected
network service. For example, the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7) can obtain the selected
provider information from the memory 706 (FIG. 7) location and initiate the association
procedures. Because the network service is selected based in part on the characteristic
of the network service, the associating device can select an idle network service
to associate with. This can reduce the overall collisions of data at the provider
of the service (e.g., AP).
[0252] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 16 can be implemented in another exemplary
wireless communication device that can include a receiving circuit, a selecting circuit,
and an associating circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless
device may have more components than the simplified wireless device described herein.
The wireless device described herein includes only those components useful for describing
some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the claims.
[0253] The receiving circuit can be configured to receive, from a network service provider,
an identifier of a characteristic for each of one or more network services for obtaining
the network service in the wireless communication system. The receiving circuit can
include one or more of the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the DSP 720 (FIG. 7), the receiver
712 (FIG. 7), and the memory 706 (FIG. 7). In some wireless communication devices,
means for receiving can include the receiving circuit.
[0254] The selecting circuit can be configured to select a network service of the one or
more network services to associate with based on the received characteristics. The
selecting circuit can include one or more of the processor 704 (FIG. 7), the memory
706 (FIG. 7), and a switch. Means for selecting can include the selecting circuit
in some implementations.
[0255] The associating circuit can be configured to transmit, from the wireless communication
device to a provider of the selected network service, a message to associate with
the selected network service. The associating circuit can include the transmitter
710 (FIG. 7), the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), and the memory 706 (FIG. 7). Means for transmitting
can include the associating circuit in some implementations.
[0256] FIG. 17 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication
that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated
method can reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein,
such as the wireless device 702 shown in FIG. 7. Although the illustrated method is
described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1, the communication exchange 200 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, and the wireless device 702 discussed above with respect to FIG.
7, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated
method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable
device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular
order, in various embodiments, blocks herein may be performed in a different order,
or omitted, and additional blocks may be added.
[0257] As discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, a network operator can associate one or
more APs into a logical grouping. In some implementations, this logical grouping can
be referred to as a network domain. An AP can be included in more than one network
domain. For example, an AP can be associated with a first network domain grouping
APs configured for multimedia communication and a second network domain grouping APs
configured for video chat communication. Each network domain can be associated with
a network domain identifier. An example network domain identifier element is shown
and described in further detail in reference to FIG. 5.
[0258] First, at block 1702, the AP 104 can transmit two or more network domain identifiers
for obtaining network services to one or more STAs 106. Each network domain identifier
can be associated with a respective network service. For example, the AP 104 can transmit
a beacon 205 including the network domain identifiers. Within the beacon 205, an information
element can be used to provide the network domain identifier. In an embodiment, the
AP 104 can transmit a probe response 215 including the network domain identifiers
in response to a probe request 210 signal received from a STA 106. In some implementations,
a network domain identifier included in the transmission from an AP 104 can identify
a network domain to which the AP 104 is not a member. In such implementations, the
AP 104 provides information about other network domains which can be located nearby
thus expediting the wireless communication device discovering an appropriate network
domain (e.g., providing a capability and/or service level of interest to the wireless
communication device) to establish a link.
[0259] Next, at block 1704, the AP 104 can receive an access request message, including
one of the network domain identifiers, from a STA 106. The AP 104 can use the access
request message to determine whether or not to associate with the sender of the message.
For example, if the message is received by an AP associated with the network domain
identified in the access request message, the AP can initiate association with the
wireless communication device that transmitted the access request.
[0260] In some implementations, one or more domain identifiers can be assigned to the AP
104. In an embodiment, the domain identifiers can be statically assigned at the time
the AP 104 is manufactured or installed. In an embodiment, the domain identifiers
can be dynamically assigned. For example, a network operator can transmit a message
to the AP 140 identifying the network domain identifier for the AP 104. In an embodiment,
backhaul messaging can be used to transmit the identifier(s). In some implementations,
the assignment is stored in non-volatile memory.
[0261] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 17 can be implemented in another exemplary
wireless communication device that can include the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7) circuit,
and the receiver 712 (FIG. 7) circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
a wireless device may have more components than the simplified wireless device described
herein. The wireless device described herein includes only those components useful
for describing some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the
claims.
[0262] The transmitter circuit can be configured to transmit from the device to a wireless
communication device two or more network domain identifiers for obtaining network
services, each network domain identifier being associated with a respective network
service. The transmitter circuit can include one or more of the transmitter 710 (FIG.
7), the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), and the DSP 720 (FIG. 7). For example, the digital signal
processor can obtain the network domain identifiers from the memory 706 (FIG. 7) and
provide a representation of the network domain identifiers (e.g., included in a beacon
205 or probe response 215) to the transmitter for transmission via the antenna. In
some wireless communication devices, means for transmitting can include the transmitter
circuit.
[0263] The receiver circuit can be configured to receive from the wireless communication
device at the device an access request message including one of the network domain
identifiers to establish the network service associated with the received network
domain identifier. The receiver circuit can include one or more of the antenna 716
(FIG. 7), the DSP 720 (FIG. 7), the receiver 712 (FIG. 7), and the memory 706 (FIG.
7). For example, the antenna can sense the access request signal and provide the sensed
signal to the digital signal processor via the receiver for conversion into digital
form. The converted signal can be stored in the memory 706 (FIG. 7) for further processing
by the device such as described herein. In some wireless communication devices, means
for receiving can include the receiver circuit.
[0264] FIG. 18 shows a flowchart for another exemplary method of wireless communication
that can be employed within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated
method can reduce signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system.
The method can be implemented in whole or in part by the devices described herein,
such as the wireless device 702 shown in FIG. 7. Although the illustrated method is
described herein with reference to the wireless communication system 100 discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1, the communication exchange 200 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, and the wireless device 702 discussed above with respect to FIG.
7, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated
method can be implemented by another device described herein, or any other suitable
device. Although the illustrated method is described herein with reference to a particular
order, in various embodiments, blocks herein may be performed in a different order,
or omitted, and additional blocks may be added.
[0265] First, at block 1802, one or more network domain identifiers for obtaining a network
service are assigned to a STA 106. Each network domain identifier identifies a respective
one of a plurality of APs configured to provide a network service. In some implementations,
the network domain identifiers can be pre-installed in the STA 106. In some implementations,
the network domain identifiers can be provided to the STA 106 via over-the-air (OTA)
provisioning. The STA 106 can use the assigned network domain identifiers to associate
with the AP 104.
[0266] Next, at block 1804, the STA 106 selects one of the plurality of APs for association.
The STA 106 can select an AP based on a capability such as radio access technology
or expected bandwidth. In some implementations, the STA 106 can receive a beacon 205
from an AP including two or more network domain identifiers. The STA 106 can select
the AP associated with an assigned network domain identifier and that is included
in the received network domain identifiers.
[0267] For example, a device can include network domain identifiers for video and text messaging
services. When the STA 106 prepares to send a text message, it can receive a beacon
205 from the AP 104 including domain identifiers for video, text, voice, and other
network services. The STA 106 can be configured to obtain the text services from the
AP 104 associated with the beacon 205, as it includes text network services. In some
implementations, the AP 104 transmitting the beacon 205 can also provide the specified
services. In some implementations, the AP 104 transmitting the beacon 205 can include
an identifier of an AP that provides the identified services (e.g., a neighboring
AP).
[0268] Then, at block 1806, the STA 106 transmits an access request message including at
least one of the network domain identifiers to the selected AP. The access request
message can be a probe request 210 including the network domain identifier. For example,
the probe request 210 can include the network domain identifier in an information
element.
[0269] Subsequently, at block 1808, the STA 106 receives an access response message from
the selected AP. For example, the STA 106 can receive a probe response 215 from the
AP 104 corresponding to one of the network domain identifiers included in the probe
request 210. The probe response 215 can also include information that the STA 106
can use to associate with the identified AP 104.
[0270] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 18 can be implemented in another exemplary
wireless communication device that can include a storage circuit, a selection circuit,
the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7) circuit, and the receiver 712 (FIG. 7) circuit. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless device may have more components
than the simplified wireless device described herein. The wireless device described
herein includes only those components useful for describing some prominent features
of implementations within the scope of the claims.
[0271] The storage circuit can be configured to store one or more network domain identifiers
for obtaining a network service, each network domain identifier identifying a respective
one of a plurality of entities configured to provide network services. Each network
domain identifier identifies a respective entity of a plurality of entities configured
to provide a network service. The storage circuit can include one or more of the DSP
720 (FIG. 7) and the memory 706 (FIG. 7). In some wireless communication devices,
means for storing can include the storage circuit.
[0272] The selection circuit can be configured to identify one of the plurality of entities
to provide the network service. The selection circuit can include one or more of the
memory 706 (FIG. 7), the processor 704 (FIG. 7), a comparator, and an arithmetic unit.
In some wireless communication devices, means for identifying an entity can include
the selection circuit.
[0273] The transmitter circuit can be configured to transmit an access request message to
the identified entity, the access request message including at least one of the one
or more network domain identifiers. The transmitter circuit can include one or more
of the transmitter 710 (FIG. 7), the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), and the DSP 720 (FIG. 7).
In some wireless communication devices, means for transmitting can include the transmitter
circuit.
[0274] The receiver circuit can be configured to receive from the identified entity an access
response message establishing the network service with the selected entity. The receiver
circuit can include one or more of the antenna 716 (FIG. 7), the DSP 720 (FIG. 7),
the receiver 712 (FIG. 7), and the memory 706 (FIG. 7). In some wireless communication
devices, means for receiving can include the receiver circuit.
Exemplary Combinations
[0275] One or more of the devices and methods described herein can be combined to reduce
signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system. Accordingly, a higher
level of efficiency for implementation of a fast link set up process can be achieved.
Although various exemplary combinations are described below, a person having ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate that additional combinations are possible, and the
combinations can be rearranged.
[0276] In one implementation, one or more embodiments described above with respect to the
sections titled "Targeted Probe Requests, "Network Domains," and "Access Response
Window," and with respect to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 17, and 18, can be combined. For example,
an access point can transmit at least first and second network domain identifiers.
Each of the network domain identifiers can be associated with a respective network
service. The network domain identifiers can have a first number of bits. The access
point can receive, from a first device, an access request message for establishing
the network service associated with at least one of the network domain identifiers.
The access request message can include a third network domain identifier associated
with a plurality of network services. The third network domain identifier can include
a sequence of bits based on the first or second identifier. The bit length of the
sequence of bits can be less than the first number of bits. The access point can broadcast,
to a plurality of devices including the first device, an access response message.
The access response message can establish a link with the first device, and can include
the first identifier, in response to receiving the access request message.
[0277] As another example, a wireless communication device can receive at least first and
second network domain identifiers. Each of the network domain identifiers can be associated
with a respective network service. The network domain identifiers can have a first
number of bits. The device can transmit, to a first access point, an access request
message for establishing the network service associated with at least one of the network
domain identifiers. The access request message can include a third network domain
identifier associated with a plurality of network services. The third network domain
identifier can include a sequence of bits based on the first or second identifier.
The bit length of the sequence of bits can be less than the first number of bits an
access request message for establishing the network service associated with at least
one of the network domain identifiers. The device can receive, from a second access
point, a broadcast access response message establishing the network service. The access
response message can include the second network domain identifier. The second network
domain identifier can include the third network domain identifier combined with an
additional identifier.
[0278] In one implementation, one or more embodiments described above with respect to the
sections titled "Dynamic Probe Response, "Compressed Beacon," and "Service Load Information,"
and with respect to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, and 16, can be combined. For example,
a wireless communication device can receive, from a network service provider, a first
message indicating a characteristic for each of one or more network services for obtaining
the network service in the wireless communication system. The wireless communication
device can select a network service of the one or more network services to associate
with based on the characteristics. The wireless communication device can queue for
transmission a first message for requesting information to obtain the network service.
Before transmission of the message, the wireless communication device can receive
a second message comprising the information. The wireless communication device can
remove the message from the queue when the second message comprises the information.
[0279] As another example, an access point can provide a network service configured to communicate
via a plurality of channels. The access point can determine a characteristic of the
network service comprising a load value for each of the plurality of channels. The
access point can transmit a message advertising the network service and indicating
the characteristic of the network service. The access point can receive a plurality
of access requests from a plurality of devices. The access point can determine demand
for wireless communication based on the plurality of access requests. The access point
can modify a broadcast of the message advertising the network service based on the
determined demand.
[0280] In one implementation, the processes of the present application can be combined with
the described use of a network domain identifier to further expedite association.
A network domain identifier can be used to identify a plurality of physical network
entities such as access points. A network domain identifier can be associated with
a network operator or network service provider. A network domain identifier can include
one or more of a value identifying a specific network operator and/or telecommunication
service provider, a value identifying an application, a value identifying a class
of an application (e.g., chat, text, video, multimedia), and a universal resource
location (e.g., website address). An example of a network domain identifier is a public
land mobile network identifier.
[0281] In one implementation, a mobile device can obtain a network domain identifier associated
with the network operator for the mobile device. In some implementations, the mobile
device can identify a specific access point to connect with For example a probe request
210 to the access point or a beacon 205 from the access point can include a unique
identifier for the access point. This process generally includes the generation, transmission,
and processing of several messages between the access point and the mobile device.
In situations where multiple devices are attempting access, such as the train station,
this can increase the network traffic.
[0282] As will be described in further detail below, the mobile device can use the network
domain identifier to establish a link with an access point. On the access point side,
multiple access points can be installed which can service the request. The access
points can perform coordination as to which access point will service the mobile device.
This can shift traffic from an otherwise loaded access point to a less utilized access
point. On the mobile device, the access request can be transmitted without first identifying
a specific access point to connect with. This can reduce the signaling traffic needed
for the mobile device to access the network. From both the access point and the mobile
device, the reduced signaling and the multiple access point load management can expedite
the establishment of a network link for mobile devices.
[0283] In one implementation, the processes of the present application can be combined with
the described systems and methods for altering access response messaging based on
access request volume. For instance, an AP can be configured to transmit association
information which receiving devices can use to associate with the AP. In some implementations,
such as the train station described above, it can be desirable to increase how often
the association information is transmitted. This can increase the opportunities for
devices to obtain the association information. Conversely, at low traffic times, it
can be desirable to reduce how often the association information is transmitted. This
can provide, as a non-limiting advantage, conservation of AP resources (e.g., power,
bandwidth, processing, memory, etc.).
[0284] In a further implementation, the processes of the present application can be combined
with the described transmission of access response messages during a determined window
of time. For example, consider an AP which has received several association requests
within a short period of time. The AP can service each one in series such that an
association response is transmitted prior to servicing a subsequent request. This
includes the AP switching from a transmit to receive mode to complete each request.
In some implementations, it can be desirable to collect a number of responses for
transmission, determine the time needed to transmit the responses, and transmit the
responses during the reserved period. This can allow the AP to more efficiently handle
each the association requests which provides, as one non-limiting advantage, a more
efficient overall association process.
[0285] In yet another implementation, the processes of the present application can be combined
with the described transmission of service load information for selecting a service
for association. For example, an access point can include channel load information
for its channels and/or channels provided by other nearby access points. A receiving
terminal can determine which channel will provide the best service for the intended
communications. For example, if the terminal is requesting access for a call, the
radio access requirements can be different than a terminal requesting access to view
a video. By receiving this information prior to associating with an AP, the terminal
can identify an appropriate AP for association.
[0286] An AP can also control its load levels by including an indication that no new associations
are being accepted. Providing this information before an access request is received
prevents the AP from servicing and denying the access request when the AP is not accepting
new association requests. The terminal can determine that the AP is not receiving
new association requests, and avoid transmitting an association request that would
otherwise be denied. This results in resource savings (e.g., power, processing, bandwidth,
memory) for both the terminal and the access point.
[0287] In still another implementation, the processes of the present application can be
combined with the described systems and methods for identifying an access point for
association. When fewer bits are transmitted, less power is used for the transmission,
less time is used to transmit the signal, and fewer bits need to be processed for
transmission/reception. In some implementations, a shortened identifier can be used
to indicate an AP to associate with. The shortened identifier can be a portion of
a larger unique identifier for the AP. However, from a terminal perspective, knowledge
of a specific AP is not required so long as the terminal can associate with an AP
of their service provider. As such, the shortened identifier can be used to associate
with an AP. Multiple APs can be identified by the shortened identifier, however the
APs can determine which will ultimately service the request. For example, backhaul
signaling between the APs can arbitrate which AP will respond to the association request.
The arbitration can be based on the load for the APs whereby associations can be directed
to the AP featuring the lowest load level.
[0288] In another implementation, the processes of the present application can be combined
with the described back-off for initiating device association. In some wireless communication
systems, a terminal is associated with a time slot. The time slot represents a period
of time during which the terminal can transmit and/or receive information. Each system
includes a discrete number of time slots (e.g., 50). In one setting, each slot can
be assigned to a single device. If the number of time slots is 50, this would accommodate
50 devices. Consider a train station where 50 passengers arrive, each carrying a wireless
device. Each device can transmit an association request during their associated time
slot. This can result in the AP receiving 50 association requests in rapid succession.
In some implementations, it can be desirable to provide a further delay in transmitting
the association request such that some of the devices transmit the association requests
and, later, the remaining devices transmit the association request. By diversifying
the messages received by the AP, the AP can more efficiently process each request.
For example, when 50 access requests are pending, an AP can be configured to respond
more slowly than had 25 requests been pending due to the signaling for establishing
each association.
[0289] Consider further, a train station where 100 passengers arrive, each carrying a wireless
device. In such a scenario, multiple devices can be assigned the same time slot. Within
the time slot, it can be desirable for a terminal to defer transmission of an association
request to avoid collision with another device sharing the time slot. For instance,
if a time slot is 100 microseconds, it can be desirable for a first and a second device
a sharing the time slot to transmit the association request at different times within
the time slot. Accordingly, the devices can determine a period of time to wait to
transmit the respective association request. This can ease the processing requirements
on the AP which is accompanied by the above mentioned resource savings. This can also
improve the association response time which can conserve resources at the terminal
which would otherwise be spent waiting for the response.
[0290] Various aspects of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods are described more
fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The teaching's disclosure
can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited
to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather,
these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will fully convey the scope of
the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein, one skilled
in the art will appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any
aspect of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented
independently of or combined with any other aspect disclosed. For example, an apparatus
can be implemented or a method can be practiced using any number of the aspects set
forth herein. In addition, the scope of the invention is intended to cover such an
apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure
and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the invention
set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed herein can be
embodied by one or more elements of a claim.
[0291] Although particular aspects are described herein, many variations and permutations
of these aspects fall within the scope of the disclosure. Although some benefits and
advantages of the preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure is
not intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses, or objectives. Rather, aspects
of the disclosure are intended to be broadly applicable to different wireless technologies,
system configurations, networks, and transmission protocols, some of which are illustrated
by way of example in the figures and in the following description of the preferred
aspects. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure
rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by the appended claims.
[0292] As used herein, the term "determining" encompasses a wide variety of actions. For
example, "determining" can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating,
looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining
and the like. Also, "determining" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information),
accessing (e.g., accessing data in the memory 706 (FIG. 7)) and the like. Also, "determining"
can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing and the like. Further, a
"channel width" as used herein can encompass or can also be referred to as a bandwidth
in certain aspects.
[0293] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of' a list of items refers to
any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, "at least
one of:
α, b, or
c" is intended to cover:
a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and
a-b-c.
[0294] The various operations of methods described above can be performed by any suitable
means capable of performing the operations, such as various hardware and/or software
component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). Generally, any operations illustrated in
the Figures can be performed by corresponding functional means capable of performing
the operations.
[0295] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection
with the present disclosure can be implemented or performed with a general purpose
processor, the DSP 720 (FIG. 7) (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), a field programmable gate array signal (FPGA) or other programmable logic
device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or any
combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general
purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can
be any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine.
The processor 704 (FIG. 7) can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices,
e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors,
one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0296] In one or more aspects, the functions described can be implemented in hardware, software,
firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can
be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable
medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication
media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one
place to another. A storage media can be any available media that can be accessed
by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media
can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to
carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures
and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a
computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website,
server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,
digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and
microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition
of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc,
optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks
usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.
Thus, in some aspects computer readable medium can include non-transitory computer
readable medium (e.g., tangible media). In addition, in some aspects computer readable
medium can include transitory computer readable medium (e.g., a signal). Combinations
of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
[0297] The methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for achieving the
described method. The method steps and/or actions can be interchanged with one another
without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific
order of steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or
actions can be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.
[0298] The functions described can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware or any
combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored as one
or more instructions on a computer-readable medium. A storage media can be any available
media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such
computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk
storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium
that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions
or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used
herein, include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc
(DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray® disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically,
while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.
[0299] Thus, certain aspects can include a computer program product for performing the operations
presented herein. For example, such a computer program product can include a computer
readable medium having instructions stored (and/or encoded) thereon, the instructions
being executable by one or more processors to perform the operations described herein.
For certain aspects, the computer program product can include packaging material.
[0300] Software or instructions can also be transmitted over a transmission medium. For
example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source
using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL),
or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial
cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared,
radio, and microwave are included in the definition of transmission medium.
[0301] Further, it should be appreciated that modules and/or other appropriate means for
performing the methods and processes described herein can be downloaded and/or otherwise
obtained by a user terminal and/or base station as applicable. For example, such a
device can be coupled to a server to facilitate the transfer of means for performing
the methods described herein. Alternatively, various methods described herein can
be provided via storage means (e.g., RAM, ROM, a physical storage medium such as a
compact disc (CD) or floppy disk, etc.), such that a user terminal and/or base station
can obtain the various methods upon coupling or providing the storage means to the
device. Moreover, any other suitable technique for providing the methods and processes
described herein to a device can be utilized.
[0302] It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration
and components illustrated above. Various modifications, changes and variations can
be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the methods and apparatus described
above without departing from the scope of the claims.
[0303] While the foregoing is directed to aspects of the present disclosure, other and further
aspects of the disclosure can be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof,
and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
[0304] In the following further examples are described to facilitate the understanding of
the invention.
[0305] In one further example, a method of reducing signaling during link setup in a wireless
communication system is described, the method comprising receiving, at a wireless
communication device from a network service provider, a first message indicating a
characteristic for each of one or more network services for obtaining the network
service in the wireless communication system, selecting, at the wireless communication
device, a network service of the one or more network services to associate with based
on the characteristics, queuing for transmission, at the wireless communication device,
a first message for requesting information to obtain the network service, before transmission
of the message, receiving a second message comprising the information and removing
the message from the queue when the second message comprises the information. Further,
the characteristic for each of the one or more network services may comprise a load
value for each of the one or more network services. Also, the first message may comprise
a beacon. The first message may indicate that no new associations with the network
service are being accepted.
[0306] In another further example, a wireless communication device configured to reduce
signaling during link setup in a wireless communication system is described, the device
comprising a receiver configured to receive, from a network service provider, a first
message indicating a characteristic for each of one or more network services for obtaining
the network service in the wireless communication system, one or more processors configured
to select a network service of the one or more network services to associate with
based on the characteristics, queue for transmission a first message for requesting
information to obtain the network service, before transmission of the message, receive
a second message comprising the information and remove the message from the queue
when the second message comprises the information. The characteristic for each of
the one or more network services may comprise a load value for each of the one or
more network services. Further, the first message may comprise a beacon. Also, the
first message may indicate that no new associations with the network service are being
accepted.
[0307] In another further example, a method of reducing signaling in a wireless communication
system is described, the method comprising providing, at an access point, a network
service configured to communicate via a plurality of channels, determining, at the
access point, a characteristic of the network service comprising a load value for
each of the plurality of channels, transmitting, from the access point, a message
advertising the network service and indicating the characteristic of the network service,
receiving, at the access point, a plurality of access requests from a plurality of
devices, determining demand for wireless communication based on the plurality of access
requests and modifying a broadcast of the message advertising the network service
based on the determined demand. Thereby, the characteristic for each of the one or
more network services may comprise a load value for each of the one or more network
services. Also, the message advertising the network service may comprise a beacon.
Further, the message advertising the network may indicate that no new associations
with the network service are being accepted. Also, determining demand for the wireless
communication may comprise detecting a change in a number of access requests for the
wireless communication over a period of time.
[0308] In another further example, an access point configured to communicate via a plurality
of channels is described, the access point comprising a processor configured to determine
a characteristic of the network service comprising a load value for each of the plurality
of channels, a transmitter configured to transmit a message advertising the network
service and indicating the characteristic of the network service and a receiver configured
to receive a plurality of access requests from a plurality of devices, wherein the
processor is further configured to determine demand for wireless communication based
on the plurality of access requests and modify a broadcast of the message advertising
the network service based on the determined demand. Further, the characteristic for
each of the one or more network services may comprise a load value for each of the
one or more network services. Also, the message advertising the network service may
comprise a beacon. Also, the message advertising the network may indicate that no
new associations with the network service are being accepted. Further, determining
demand for the wireless communication may comprise detecting a change in a number
of access requests for the wireless communication over a period of time.
[0309] In another further example, a method of reducing signaling during link setup in a
wireless communication system is described, the method comprising receiving, at a
terminal, a message including information for establishing a link with a device in
the wireless communication system, identifying, at the terminal, a time slot and a
back-off amount within the identified time slot based on a value included in the received
message, abstaining from sensing a medium based on the identified time slot and the
identified back-off amount and transmitting an association request message to establish
the link with the device during the identified time slot after expiration of the back-off
amount. The device may comprise an access point. Further, transmitting the association
request messages may comprise transmitting a carrier sense multiple access message.
Further, the message received may comprise a beacon message. Also, the message received
may comprise a probe response. Further, the medium may comprise a wireless communication
medium. Further, identifying at least one of the time slot and the back-off amount
may comprise generating a random value. Further, generating the random value may be
based on the included value and an identifier for the terminal. Also, the identifier
for the terminal may comprise a media access control identifier. Further, the value
may comprise a random seed value.
[0310] In another further example, an apparatus configured to reduce signaling during link
setup in a wireless communication system is described, the apparatus comprising a
receiver configured to receive a message including information for establishing a
link with a device in the wireless communication system, a processor configured to
identify a time slot and a back-off amount within the identified time slot based on
a value included in the received message and abstain from sensing a medium based on
the identified time slot and the identified back-off amount and a transmitter configured
to transmit an association request message to establish the link with the device during
the time slot after expiration of the back-off amount. Further, the apparatus may
comprise a terminal. Also, the device may comprise an access point. Further, the association
request message may comprise carrier sense multiple access message. Also, the message
received may comprise a beacon message. Further, the message received may comprises
a probe response. Also, the medium may comprise a wireless communication medium. Further,
identifying at least one of the time slot and the back-off amount may comprise generating
a random value. Also, generating the random value may be based on the included value
and an identifier for the terminal. Further, the identifier for the terminal may comprise
a media access control identifier. Also, the value may comprise a random seed value.
[0311] In another further example, an apparatus for reducing signaling during link setup
in a wireless communication system is described, the apparatus comprising means for
receiving a message including information for establishing a link with a device in
the wireless communication system, means for identifying a time slot and a back-off
amount based on a value included in the received message and means for establishing
the link with the device, the means configured to abstain from sensing a medium based
on the identified time slot and the identified back-off amount and transmit an association
request message to establish the link with the device during the identified time slot
after expiration of the back-off amount.
[0312] In yet another further example, a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions
executable by a processor of an apparatus in a wireless communication system is described,
the instructions causing the apparatus to receive a message including information
for establishing a link with a device in the wireless communication system, identify
a time slot and a back-off amount within the identified time slot based on a value
included in the received message, abstain from sensing a medium based on the identified
time slot and the identified back-off amount and transmit an association request message
to establish the link with the device during the identified time slot after expiration
of the back-off amount.
[0313] In yet another further example, a method of reducing signaling during link setup
in a wireless communication system is described, the method comprising generating,
at a device, a value identifying a time period for a plurality of terminals to transmit
association request messages, the association request messages requesting a link with
the device, transmitting a message including the value to the terminals and receiving,
during the identified time period, an association request message for establishing
the link from one of the terminals. Thereby, the device may comprise an access point.
The value may comprise a random seed value. The random seed value may be generated
based on an identifier for the device. Also, the value may comprise a contention window.
Further, the contention window may be generated based on one or more of a size of
the wireless communication system, a number of terminals accessing the wireless communication
system, a number of terminals accessing the device, a load of the wireless communication
system, a load of the device, a service level associated with the terminal, time information,
and date information. Further, the contention window may be generated based on current
values. Also, the contention window may be generated based on an analysis of previously
stored values. Further, the message may comprise a beacon signal. Also, the message
may comprises a probe response. Further, the value may be included in a header of
the message. Also, the value may be included in the body of the message. The method
may further comprise receiving, outside the identified time period, another association
request message including information for establishing the link from another terminal
and transmitting an association response message to the other terminal including another
value indicating the association request message was transmitted outside the identified
time period.
[0314] In yet another further example, a device configured to reduce signaling during link
setup in a wireless communication system is described, the device comprising a processor
configured to generate a value identifying a time period for a plurality of terminals
to transmit association request messages to the device, the association request messages
for establishing a link with the device, a transmitter configured to transmit a message
including the value to the terminals and a receiver configured to receive, during
the identified time period, an association request message for establishing the link
from one of the terminals. Thereby, the device may comprise an access point. Also,
the value may comprise a random seed value. The random seed value may be generated
based on an identifier for the device. The value may comprise a contention window.
Further, the contention window may be generated based on one or more of a size of
the wireless communication system, a number of terminals accessing the wireless communication
system, a number of terminals accessing the device, a load of the wireless communication
system, a load of the device, a service level associated with the terminal, time information,
and date information. Further, the contention window may be generated based on current
values. Also, the contention window may be generated based on an analysis of previously
stored values. Further, the message may comprise a beacon signal. Also, the message
may comprise a probe response. Further, the value may be included in a header of the
message. Also, the value may be included in the body of the message. Further, the
receiver may be configured to receive, outside the identified time period, another
association request message for establishing the link from another terminal, and wherein
the transmitter is further configured to transmit an association response message
to the other terminal including another value indicating the association request message
was transmitted outside the identified time period.
[0315] In yet another further example, a device for reducing signaling during link setup
in a wireless communication system, the device comprising means for generating a value
identifying a time period for terminals to transmit association request messages to
establish a link with the device, means for transmitting a message including the value
to the terminals and means for receiving, during the identified time period, an association
request message for establishing the link from a terminal to establish the link between
the device and the terminal.
[0316] In yet another further example, a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions
executable by a processor of a device in a wireless communication system is described,
the instructions causing the device to generate a value identifying a time period
for terminals to transmitting association request messages to establish a link with
the wireless communication system via the device, transmit a message including the
value to the terminals and receive, during the identified time period, an association
request message for establishing the link from a terminal to establish the link between
the device and the terminal.